Memorial set to be restored

A memorial to mark the bravery of a Co Limerick-born policeman is to be restored near O’Connell Bridge in Dublin.

Wed, 04 Jul, 2012 - 01:00

Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent

The memorial commemorates the bravery of Constable Patrick Sheahan, a native of Glin who died trying to rescue a workman in 1905.

Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan said it had been removed to allow work on a new bridge.

“I’m glad to report that the 5m-high limestone and granite memorial will be reinstated when the work on the bridge is completed in the summer of 2013.

“The story of Constable Sheahan is one of public service and sacrifice.”

In May 1905, Constable Sheahan was on traffic duty at O’Connell Bridge when a newspaper boy ran to him, seeking his help to rescue a workman, John Fleming, who was trapped in a manhole on Burgh Quay.

Constable Sheahan ran to the spot and descended into the manhole to rescue Mr Fleming, who had been overcome by fumes. The constable also succumbed to the fumes and both men died.