A CANDLE light vigil for the two men who died in an work place accident at Thomond Bridge is to take place this coming Saturday night at 8.30pm.
TJ Herlihy (36) from Castleisland Co Kerry and Brian Whelan (29) from O’Briens Bridge, Co Clare, were killed when the safety cage they were working on collapsed into the River Shannon at Thomond Bridge, trapping the two men under the water.
The tragedy unfolded at around 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon last when the cable attached to the crane that was suspending the cage over the side of the bridge gave way.
Both victims were wearing life jackets but were also in harnesses, which were attached to the cage when it fell into the water.
A third worker, 36-year-old Paul Murphy from Askeaton in Co Limerick, managed to free his harness and swim down river and raise the alarm.
Tragically, 36-year-old TJ Herlihy and 29-year-old Brian Whelan became trapped when the cage became submerged in the fast flowing waters.
Members of the public, touched by the tragedy have organised a a candle light vigil to show support for the families of the men who will be buried this week.
“In times of tragedy like this and in other times Limerick people can show great solidarity. Even though the two men are not from the city our city would like to pay our respects and mourn with their families,” said Cllr Jerry O’Dea, Metropolitian Mayor of Limerick.
A statement issued on behalf of Irish Bridge, Ballyengland, Askeaton, Co. Limerick, who were contracted by Limerick City and County Council to carry out the essential repair works said:
“IRISH Bridge would like to offer its sincerest sympathies to the families of Brian and TJ following this terrible tragedy.
“It’s heart-breaking, our thoughts and prayers are with their families, relatives and friends at this very sad time.”
The company thanked all the emergency service personnel “for their professionalism” adding:
“We will, of course, co-operate fully with all authorities examining the incident. The company will not be making any further comment at this point.”
The HSA are leading an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
