Bonfire Night

It was Bonfire Night in Cork yesterday. It’s celebrated on St. John’s Eve and there have been bonfires lit in Cork for as long as I remember. Not all parts of the country celebrate the night, and I heard on the radio 2 days ago that there may be a by-law passed in Cork banning the lighting of bonfires that night because of the danger to people, property and the fire services.
Unfortunately each year the fire services are attacked with rocks and other weapons when they go to certain areas of the city.

9 comments on ' Bonfire Night '

Great shots Donn. Especially the third one which shows how big the fire actually was! Were there any reports of fire brigades under attack last night?

Written by Donal on June 24, 2006 at 12:01pm
A powerful series - although, if it’s intended to be a series, I’m not clear how the trolley bus fits in. And I can’t say I’m entirely surprised that the powers that be are considering banning these fires; they’re BIG.

Written by Nick on June 24, 2006 at 2:34pm
Thanks guys! Trolley bus? Do you mean the fire engine pictured in the last photo? That went past us at speed up to where the fire was. I presumed they made an effort to extinguish it but I could still see a large glow 10 minutes later!

Written by Donncha on June 24, 2006 at 5:25pm
Awesome exposures on the fire shots! Such a shame regarding the attacks on the fire servicemen.

Written by micki on June 24, 2006 at 7:22pm
I’ve seen the piles of wood hanging around Belfast getting ready for the 12th. Last year all the crates fell onto the road, I remember seeing it the next day. It’s a crazy couple of days. Awful that the firebrigade get attacked. Really nice documentary shots Donncha.

Written by Gavin on June 25, 2006 at 12:19am
WONDERFUL FIRE !

Written by LyRiAnN on July 01, 2006 at 11:13am
I would limit the bonfires to particular sights only. A concrete base and somewhere to store the wast material I would ban completely the use of pallets and tyres. all sights to have planning permission

Written by john Knox on September 22, 2007 at 10:54pm
I think Bona night is great, I’m 42 and still bring my kids out to them. its a great Cork tradition and people should leave it alone. I loved it as a kid and my kids love it now and hopefully my grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will love it to. There are too many people out there to throw spanners in the works. Fair enough some do get out of hand but that happens after the families go home.

Written by Paulie on June 24, 2008 at 5:08pm