The family of Bryan Whelan have paid tribute to their much loved relative. Two men died yesterday in an incident while carrying out maintenance works on Thomond Bridge on the River Shannon. Fellow stone mason Timothy “TJ” O’Herlihy, from Tullig, Castleisland also died in the accident.
Mr. Whelan’s sister-in-law, Maura Whelan spoke on behalf of the family. “We are just heartbroken by the tragic loss of Bryan. He was a fantastic son, brother, uncle.” Ms Whelan said.
“He was a true gentleman, who would drop everything at a moment’s notice should you need him. Bryan’s level of determination matched the demanding job nature of his job, which he took great pride in. He lived life to the fullest, and will be sadly missed by us, and his wide circle of friends.”
The men were carrying out maintenance works on Thomond Bridge in Limerick when a cable attached to a crane that was holding the cage in which they were standing snapped. The cage plunged into the river, trapping the men under the surface. A third man who had been in the cage at the time managed to free himself while under the surface and swim to safety.
The three men were wearing life jackets and fall arresting safety harnesses generally used in line rescues or by anyone working from dangerous heights.