Two firms fined €225k for breaches that led to two stonemasons drowning in Limerick

Bryan Whelan and TJ O'Herlihy, who were carrying out repair works on the side of Thomond Bridge, plunged to their deaths when the safety mechanism on a crane failed to operate

The scene at Thomond Bridge in August 2015 where Bryan Whelan and TJ O’Herlighy drowned when the cable holding their cage broke and fell into the water as the men worked on the bridge. Picture: Liam Burke/Press 22

Two companies have been fined by a court a total of €225,000 after pleading guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act that led to the drownings of two stonemasons in Limerick City, seven years ago.

Bryan Whelan, 29, of O’Briensbridge, Co Clare, and TJ O’Herlihy, 36, Castleisland, Co Kerry, both plunged to their deaths in the River Shannon as they carried out repair works on the side of Thomond Bridge, on August 29, 2015.