Family of hero firefighter first to receive certificate of Irish heritage

THE mother of a New York firefighter who died on 9/11 has received the first “certificate of Irish heritage” under a Government scheme aimed at engaging with the country’s diaspora.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore made the presentation to Bridget Hunter in honour of her son, Joe Hunter, who lost his life along with 18 members of his squad following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The presentation was made at Firehouse 288 in Maspeth, Queens.