Posted online: Aug 4th, 2010

By Lauren Harte
reporter

Bundoran will come to a standstill this Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the worst events in the town’s history.
It will be exactly 30 years to the day since ten people – five of them children – lost their lives in a horrific blaze at the Central Hotel.
On August 8 1980, a fire broke out in the historic hotel with local firefighters, residents and tourists among those who tried to rescue those trapped in the building. Five adults, four children and an 18 month old baby died in the blaze which has remained imprinted on the minds of both those living in the seaside town and those who work for Bundoran Fire Service.
To mark the anniversary a specially commissioned memorial seat featuring the names of those killed in the fire will be unveiled. Last summer, a commemorative stained glass window was unveiled in Bundoran’s Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.
There has been criticism in recent years that not enough was done by Bundoran Town Council to commemorate the disaster. However, speaking to the Donegal Post this week, Noel Dowdican, a nephew of one of the victims, said he hopes this gesture will finally bring some closure for the families who were affected by the tragedy three decades ago.
“This is going to be a fitting tribute and I think all the families are in agreement about that. All we ever wanted was for this tragedy to be remembered and that is now being done. I believe this memorial will bring some comfort to those left behind and I’m
grateful to the local councillors who have worked hard to make this happen.”
Sunday’s event will include a memorial service before the unveiling of the monument at Central Lane at 2pm.
Those being remembered this weekend are: Sadie Dowdican, Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim; Mary Gallagher, Carrick; James Brennan, Anne Brennan, Deirdre Brennan and John Brennan all from Naas Co. Kildare; Adreinne Kinsella and James Kinsella of Artane, Co. Dublin; George Lazenby, Malahide, Co. Dublin and Baby Nicola Lamount, Belfast.