The two accused - Alison Chawke and Bill Chawke - at Limerick Courthouse I PICTURES: Brendan Gleeson
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23 Feb 2026
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23 Feb 2026
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Limerick City Fire Station is located right next door to the Horse and Hound on Mulgrave Street
THE QUICK-THINKING of bar staff and actions of Limerick Fire and Rescue Service “certainly saved the life” of a man who was choking to death, the Limerick Leader has learned.
The man, who “turned purple”, had a lucky escape as the pub is located right beside the fire station in Limerick city so expert help was on the way in seconds.
A reader contacted the Leader to say they were having breakfast in the Horse and Hound on Mulgrave Street when a man, who was sitting across from them, started choking.
“The girl working there ran into the fire brigade who are, thank God, just next door. They ran in fast and a firefighter did loads of that Heimlich thing (a life-saving first aid technique for clearing blocked airways) and unblocked whatever was caught in his throat.
“It was an incredibly frightening experience but I would like to say well done to the staff of the Horse and Hound who tried to help the man and immediately ran for help,” said the person.
They said the whole pub was very worried for the middle-aged man.
“He looked very bad after it but I think he was OK. I just want to say well done to the girls in the Horse and Hound and the fire brigade for saving that man.
“It all happened so fast it was like something from a movie. They are all heroes."
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The Leader contacted Limerick City and County Council about the incident.
A spokesperson confirmed “a member of staff from the Horse and Hound Bar ran over to the Fire Station in Mulgrave Street seeking urgent assistance for a gentleman who was choking”. It occurred around 10am on Friday, February 6.
“A number of firefighters immediately rushed over to render assistance. Thankfully, they were able to assist and dislodged the blockage. The gentleman was very grateful to all and was checked over subsequently by members of the National Ambulance Service. We understand the gentleman made a full recovery.”
The spokesperson concluded by saying the quick thinking of the Horse and Hound staff and the rapid actions of the fire crew “certainly saved the gentleman's life that morning”.
If the man would like to thank the firefighters he can email news@limerickleader.ie
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