A tribute to Eddie Watters

A tribute to Eddie Watters

THE sudden and untimely passing before Christmas evoked widespread shock to the Downpatrick community.

I served in the local Fire Brigade with Eddie for 25 years and come to find him a dependable and committed fire fighter and always a willing colleague.

Eddie joined the Fire Brigade in 1965 and for the next 26 years served the local community and was a willing hand during the Troubles. In 1985 he received his long service medal for 20 years’ service.

A willing participant in all the fire station activities, he played a leading part in all the golf opens during the 1990s.

Eddie in his younger days was an accomplished footballer, winning the Cosmopolitan Cup with Down Technical School. He was also a top darts thrower with the great Central team.

A devoted family man, his family were always very much in his thoughts.

The sympathy of a stunned community is extended to his wife, Marie, his daughters, Paula, Linda and Julie, his sons, Robert and Ciaran, his sister, Marie, and a large family circle.

His former colleagues formed a guard of honour outside St. Patrick’s Church after his funeral which was conducted by Canon Sean Rogan, assisted by Fr. Brendan Mulhall and Fr. Brian Watters.

Tony Oakes,

Retired Sub Officer,

Downpatrick Fire Station.