Limerick, Saturday – A potentially catastrophic fire broke out in the Northern wing of SheIbourne House on Saturday evening, threatening the entire destruction of the historical residence. The house, a three-storeyed structure believed to have been erected by a former Earl of Limerick, is located on the North Circular road just outside the borough boundary. Nestled in the midst of ornamental grounds, the mansion faced a perilous situation as the flames rapidly spread.

The alarm was raised around five o’clock when the fire was discovered in the kitchen and bathroom on the North side of the mansion. With the fire intensifying, a swift response was crucial to prevent the complete loss of the residence. The Fire Station was promptly notified, and the Corporation Fire Brigade, led by Mr Sheehan, swiftly mobilized. Additionally, a contingent of constabulary, commanded by District Inspector White and Mead Constable McKernan, arrived promptly to assist in tackling the blaze.

Despite some initial delays in securing the water supply, once rectified, both the fire brigade and constabulary worked diligently to contain the fire within the affected premises—specifically, the pantry, kitchen, and bathroom. The collabourative efforts of volunteers were crucial in salvaging furniture, albeit with some damage during the removal process. Similarly, the flooding of several rooms while playing the hose resulted in additional harm.

The situation, though perilous, was brought under control, preventing the flames from spreading further. The damage, estimated to be in the several hundred pounds, primarily affected the aforementioned areas. Fortunately, the losses are expected to be covered by insurance, offering a measure of relief to the owners of SheIbourne House.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prompt and coordinated responses in safeguarding historic landmarks and emphasizes the resilience of the firefighting and law enforcement teams involved. As the investigation into the cause of the fire begins, the community is grateful for the efforts that spared SheIbourne House from complete devastation.

Dublin Daily Express – Monday 15 August 1910