Fire at Kilcullen. Valuable Property Damaged

A fire resulting in great damage to a splendid range of stables, broke out at the rere of Mr Bardon's Hotel, Kilcullen, some days ago. At about 2.15 o'clock in the afternoon Mr McClean, CPS, observed smoke issuing from the buildings and immediately gave the alarm. Mr Bardon and Sergeant Currie, who were talking in the garden, also observed the fire. In less time than it takes to write a goodly number of neighbours had collected round the stables, over which the flames were rapidly gaining ascendancy. 

The burning buildings adjoined the hotel, which every moment threatened to catch fire. To prevent this the efforts were concentrated, but the task was no easy one. Strenuous were the efforts made, but the flames made steady progress. At one time when the fire was almost at its fiercest point an unlucky incident nearly resulted in frustrating all the efforts of the willing and fearless workers.

The window of one of the bedrooms was open, and some sparks carried on by the wind were whirled into the room. They alit on some combustible substance and soon the bedroom was on fire. The flames spread with alarming rapidity, and were soon raging in an adjoining apartment. Now indeed it looked as if the conflagration would result in incalculable damage, but a convenient and inexhaustive supply of water utilised by men who did not fear to risk their personal safety was the means of preserving the main building from the doom with which it was threatened.

The attention of the brave helpers was first directed to the removal of the furniture. Then began the fight with the flames, but thanks to almost superhuman exertions the building was literally wrested from the fire. In removing the furniture considerable damage was done to the property, but this of course could not be avoided, and indeed it was marvellous that no personal injury resulted.

The flames were now confined to the extensive block of stables, on the lofts of which was stored hay. The hay fed the flames, and notwithstanding all that could be done to avert destruction the slated roofs fell in. With redoubled efforts those engaged in the work of subduing the conflagration poured on the fire bucketful after bucketful of water Their exertions were, however, equal to the demands made on them, and at five pm they had the satisfaction of seeing the fire totally extinguished.

The origin of the burning has not been traced and even no theory has been suggested. The building was partially insured.

Amongst those who were conspicuous by their efforts were Sergeant Currie and his men, Messors P Berney, RO, Patrick and James Doyle, and J Dowling. Valuable assistance was also rendered by Dr Barker, Mr McClean, Mr J Darby, Mr Freeman, Calverstown, Mr Winder, Gormantown, Mr D Brennan, Mr Kennedy, &c, &c. The efforts of the constabulary were especially praiseworthy. They often risked their personal safety, and it is to be hoped their services will be recognised in the proper quarter.

Mr Bardon supplied refreshments to all who wished to partake of them. He desires us to express his sincere gratitude to those who were instrumental in preserving him from a serious loss; but we may add, on our own accord, we are perfectly certain that in view of the respect and esteem in which Mr Bardon is held the fact that they were able to do him a good service will be sufficient recompense to the brave men who helped to avert such a grave disaster.

— Leinster Leader 22.05.1897.

(Credit to Dave Byrne, who trawled through the old newspapers for reports about Kilcullen.)