The Suir Bridge, a nine-span railway viaduct over the river, is known locally as the ‘Red Iron.’
Erected by Glasgow’s Sir William Arrol & Co, this bridge played a pivotal role in the development of the Fishguard and Rosslare Railway (FRR), which opened in 1906.
In 1982, the railway bridge was closed followed by its central drawbridge being removed in 1995. Today, its remains serve as a reminder of Waterford’s built and industrial heritage.
However, during the construction of Sir Benjamin Baker’s (1840 – 1907) creation, tragedy would occur in January 1906, resulting in the deaths of James McDonald (29) and Phillip Ryan (36).
Cian Manning joined us in studio with a retelling of a sad chapter in our local history.
He also issued an appeal for anyone with any further information on this to contact him, using the show’s email address breakfast@wlrfm.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
