Carlow marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with memorial climb, bell ceremony
Carlow Fire and Rescue Service stands in line to remember 9/11. Image: Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service's Facebook page
CARLOW County Fire & Rescue Service marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks today, Friday 11 September 2026, with a memorial ladder climb and a series of bell-ringing ceremonies at Carlow Fire Station.
The commemoration honoured the 343 FDNY firefighters who died in the attacks, along with the thousands of other lives lost and the response of first responders on the day.
The events were timed to match the key moments of the 2001 attacks. At 08:46am, marking the moment the North Tower was struck, a 2,200-step memorial climb began on the training tower at Carlow Town Station, symbolising the 110 storeys climbed by firefighters and rescuers at the World Trade Centre. The Fire Bell was rung outside the station by cllr Paul Doogue.
At 09:03am, marking the South Tower being struck, the bell was rung by Cllr Jim Deane in recognition of the emergency responders who answered the call that morning.
A moment of silence was held at 09:58am to mark the collapse of the South Tower, followed by another ringing of the bell. The final ringing came at 10:28am, marking the collapse of the North Tower and the conclusion of the 2,200-step climb.
Acting chief fire officer Ben Woodhouse said the legacy of those who served in 2001 endures in everyone who puts service to others above themselves, and that their courage and sacrifice should be remembered by future generations. He thanked acting senior assistant chief fire officer Ger Griffin for organising the memorial, as well as An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service, who took part in the day's events.
The climb was completed by D/M Frankie Whelan, D/M Joe O'Reilly and FF Ronan Boyle, alongside A/SACFO Ger Griffin.
