In Dublin, the famous Kildare Street Club, founded in 1782 and one of the leading gentlemen's clubs in Ireland, suffered the loss of much of its club buildings in a serious early morning fire. Three female employees of the club died in the blaze which also consumed all the club's furnishings and its15,000 book library. The club remains in existence today, merged with the Dublin University club and known as the Kildare Street and University Club. (By John Osborne)