AN Irish-born New York firefighter has died from cancer directly linked to working at the World Trade Center site of the September 11 terror attacks in 2001.

Brian J Masterson died on Sunday January 22 following a battle with esophageal cancer.

2 Brian J Masterson working bravely at the scene of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center - PIC: Longford Leader Credit: Longford Leader

The Longford man was one of the brave New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters who worked tirelessly at the scene of the attack in 2001, where thousands of innocent people lost their lives.

And tributes have poured in from friends, family and colleagues for the 61-year-old hero.

Christopher Ferry, Brian’s nephew told the Longford Leader: “Unfortunately, my uncle Brian was diagnosed with esophageal cancer two years ago as a result.

“The number of firefighters and other first responders being diagnosed with cancer as a direct result of working so many days at the site of the twin towers has been constantly growing to this very day.

“My uncle fought very hard for two years overcoming the odds, and died on Sunday night with his family by his side.”

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Christopher revealed that his family originally came from Lissavaddy, Co Longford and said that although many of them live in New York, they still call Longford home.

He said: “I spent every summer of my childhood with my grandparents Joseph ‘Waddy’ Masterson, and Kathleen Masterson. My grandmother was a Farrell, of which many still reside in Longford.

“I spent many a summer working on my grandfather's farm, as well as his fruit/vegetable stand in the old Market Square in Longford town. My mother Gemma Masterson, as well as her two brothers Kevin and Brian grew up in Longford.”

2 The terror attacks of 9/11 are still claiming the lives of innocent people almost 16 years later Credit: Alamy

Speaking in New York this week, Uniformed Firefighters Association President James Slevin lamented the ongoing pain that the 9/11 attacks continue to cause.

James said : “As a result of the 9-11 attacks on our nation, our New York City Firefighters have been getting sick and dying in high numbers due to cancers and other diseases caused by breathing the toxic air at the World Trade Center.

“The deaths of retired Firefighter Brian Masterson and Firefighter Kevin Rooney are unfortunate reminders that New York City Firefighters and other first responders continue to suffer from the aftermaths of 9/11.”

The 61-year-old father-of-three was laid to rest today in his adoptive home of Walden, New York.

About 50 types of cancer are believed to be related to the toxic smoke and dust of 9/11.