Meeting the Wetlands for the Worester County, Emerald Society, visit in preparation for ‘Heroes Week 2016’ were, from left: John Griffin (Kerry Tourism Officer) Majella Forde (Irish Red Cross), Ken Jones (Emerald Society), Jameson O’Shea (Emerald Society), Shane Newton (Emerald Society), Jim Finucane (Mayor of Tralee), Sean McKenna (Emerald Society), Orla Hurley (Cara Group Travel), Micheal Hession (Chief Fire Officer), Derek Jordan (Emerald Society), John Hegarty (Fire Officer), Tom Brosnan (Civil Defence Officer) and Vincent Hussey (Fire Officer). Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
TRALEE will receive a boost in June next year when around 300 members of US emergency services plus their families are expected to descend on the town as part of ‘Heroes Week 2016’.
Heroes Week in Tralee will welcome police, fire service, coastguard, nurses and Red Cross persons of Irish Heritage from June 16-21 in 2016.
In preparation of next year’s gathering, members of the Worcester County, Massachusetts, ‘Emerald Society’ were in town this week to meet, Mayor of Tralee, Jim Finucane and the Kerry County Council director of tourism, John Griffin.
The Emerald Society is an organisation that serves to educate and continue the traditions of Irish in the fire service in America.
The group’s leader, Jameson O’Shea, is the fourth generation firemen in his family. His great-grandfather, who hailed from Ballyferriter, being the one to begin the tradition.
“The tradition of the Irish in the fire service is very strong. In my family my grandfather was killed in the line of duty. Also my uncles and my brothers are all firefighters,” said Jameson.
“We came over in 2013 to present a plaque in honour of my great-grandfather. Since then we’ve seen a snowball effect where we have now become and intricate part in planning Heroes Week 2016, so it has been a great experience,” said Jameson.
The five night programme next year will include music, entertainment, sightseeing, meeting with the local people and researching heritage.
For more information on Heroes Week 2016 – CLICK HERE
