Willie Bermingham
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| Willie Bermingham | |
| Born | March 1942 Dublin, Ireland |
|---|---|
| Died | April 1990 |
| Occupation | Fireman |
| Known for | Alone - Organization for old people |
Dr Willie Bermingham (March 1942 – April 1990) was born in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, Willie grew up with his family in The Puc, Inchicore, Dublin before moving to The Nurseries in Bluebell where the family had a scrap yard. Willie's father Bill and mother Mary (nee Dalgarno) reared a family of 3 boys and 4 girls. Willie went to school in Goldenbridge of Inchicore and loved one of his teachers Sister Jarlath in particular who he maintained contact with right up until his death.
Willie joined Dublin Fire Brigade in 1964 who also cover the Emergency Ambulance Service. He served with them until his death.
In 1972 he married Mary (Marie) Kelly - a Roscommon woman whose family had moved to Chapelizodand later Lucan. They spent their 18 years of marriage living in Bluebell where they reared 2 daughters and 3 sons.
In 1977 Willie founded the A.L.O.N.E., an organization highlighting the plight of old forgotten individuals living in squalid neglect in Dublin. This was after he had found several people dead in appalling conditions through his work as a firefighter. He worked tirelessly on a voluntary basis whilst still holding down his job in Dublin fire brigade. Many colleagues came on board as volunteers and as news spread of the work, the organization grew. Whilst it became a relatively large organization, the focus on people as individuals never changed. The operation was run from the family home in Bluebell where the children took part as soon as their homework was completed.The office only moved from the sitting room weeks before he died.
In 1979 Willie received the People of the Year award, in 1985 he was awarded International Firefighter of the Year award and in 1988, on one of his proudest days, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law by Trinity College, Dublin.
A hectic daily life took it's toll in late February 1990 when Willie suddenly took ill. He went blind in his left eye from an inverted melanoma, and 6 weeks later lost his battle with the cancer. A.L.O.N.E. is still an active charity in Ireland.
