“His loss is felt profoundly': Life-saving firefighter in Limerick is given hero’s send-off

A HERO firefighter who helped save lives during his almost 30 years as a firefighter in Limerick has sadly lost his own life aged only in his early 50s.

Eugene Cusack, of Killaloe, County Clare and late of Stradone, County Cavan, passed away peacefully after a short illness last month. He was surrounded by his family and friends in the tender care of Milford Hospice.

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The loss is most keenly felt by his family - beloved wife Elaine and children Conor, Evan and Grace, parents Tommy and Kitty and siblings - but also among his second family in Limerick Fire and Rescue Service.

Limerick City and County Council, Chief Fire Officer, Paul McMahon said: “All of us in Limerick Fire and Rescue Service are deeply saddened by the passing of sub station officer Eugene Cusack (pictured below).”

Mr McMahon said Eugene was an honest, kind, and dedicated member of their team who gave over 27 years of exemplary service to the people of Limerick and surrounding areas.

“His loss is felt profoundly by all who knew him. The size and scale of Eugene’s funeral was a testament to the esteem in which Eugene was held, by his home community in Killaloe, his many friends, and his colleagues across the fire service.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Eugene’s wife Elaine, his children Conor, Evan, and Grace, and all his family and friends at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis,” said Mr McMahon.

A tribute on Limerick Fire and Rescue Service’s social media, tells of Eugene’s exceptional work ethic, honesty, integrity, and compassion in every aspect of his life. The gifted sportsman even led them to the World Police and Firefighter Games in Belfast in 2013. Eugene also played a crucial part in designing and delivering their Transition Year programme for secondary school students

Over 60 members of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service paid their respects at his funeral in Killaloe.

Firefighters gave a guard of honour, shouldered his coffin in the church and brought Eugene on his final journey to Shannon Crematorium in a vintage fire truck. The solemn procession was accompanied by Mike Egan on the bagpipes.

Fr James Grace, who said the funeral Mass, said it hasn’t been an easy few months but Eugene put a brave face on it for the sake of his family and friends.

“He got on with life as best he could and wanted things to be as normal as possible for his family. I think he achieved that through God’s grace and the love and support he experienced at every quarter,” said Fr Grace.

The large crowds of mourners reflected the esteem Eugene was held in. 

He attended countless call-outs during his 27 years as a firefighter. He was one of the first on the scene when a school bus crashed near Caherconlish and there were fears of multiple casualties.

Eugene also trained many of the firefighters who attended his funeral as he was a breathing apparatus and RTC instructor. 

He was renowned for his calmness amid the often horrific scenes at road traffic collisions.

Countless tributes have been paid with eleven pages on rip.ie devoted to condolences.

“Eugene radiated love, warmth, compassion and positivity wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by anyone who had the pleasure to meet him and work with,” said one mourner.

Smith O’Brien’s GAA and Camogie Club paid a beautiful tribute, saying Eugene  was a man who led by example and an inspiration to all.

May he rest in peace.