Laois family remember their brave New York firefighter cousin who died in 9/11

A Laois family is remembering their brave American cousin who died while working as a New York firefighter in 9/11, on its 25th anniversary this September 11.

Sean Tallon who was born in The Bronx was a first cousin of the Morris family in Mountmellick and with his family was a frequent visitor home growing up.

He was aged just 27 when he died, after Tower One collapsed while he and his comrades were on the 31st floor.

Sean had first served in the Marines, and was a probationary fire fighter with Ladder 10, the closest firestation to the Twin Towers. He was just weeks away from his graduation.

Butcher Martin Morris told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about him.

“His mother Eileen Denehy was our mother Peggy’s sister, from Cork. His father Paddy was from Donadea in Kildare. Sean had one sister Rosaleen, who only died last year.

“They loved Ireland. They still have a home here in the Gaeltacht. They loved Irish culture, Irish music,” he said.

Sean was a talented button accordion player and also step danced.

His younger brother John Morris knew Sean best.

“He was very close with John, they are the same age and John lived in New York for a time,” Martin said.

Just three weeks before Sean died, he had been home to Ireland on holidays.

“I remember the day 9/11 happened, Monday at 2.30pm, I’ll never forget it. We didn’t know at the time whether he was gone or not,” he said.

There was great grief when Seán death was confirmed.

“At least they found his body and they were able to bury him,” Martin said.

Sadly, Sean’s father died not long after his son. Recently his only sibling Rosaleen died too, to the shock of all.

“Rosaleen passed away in August last year. It was a big shock, she was only 55. She has three children, Judie, Sean and Paddy.

“She had fought hard after 9/11 looking for justice for all the injured.

“Three thousand people died at the time but thousands more have died since from their injuries, from dust in their lungs,” Martin explained.

Sean and Rosaleen’s mother Eileen has now lost her beloved husband Paddy, her son and her daughter.

Aged in her early 80’s, she is a strong woman, Martin said.

“She was home with us two weeks ago. She comes home every year. We all had a great get together in my father’s house,” he said.

A 9/11 Memorial dedicated to Sean Tallon now stands in Donadea Forest Park, the home of his late father.