'Six years waiting for answers': Companies face trial over deaths of two stonemasons in Limerick

'We have waited more than six years to get answers as to why our 29-year old son died tragically in a workplace accident, at Thomond Bridge, in August 2015' 

(Left to right) John Paul, Margaret and John Whelan at the Coroner's Court in Limerick. Margaret and John's son, Bryan, died in an accident on Thomond Bridge on August 2015. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Two companies are to face a criminal trial next March in relation to the deaths of two stonemasons, who drowned whilst carrying out work on a bridge in Limerick six years ago.

Father-of-two Tim ‘TJ’ O’Herlihy, aged 36, from Castleisland, Co. Kerry, died alongside his workmate, Bryan Whelan, aged 29, from O’Briensbridge, Co. Clare, after they became trapped beneath the surface of the River Shannon in Limerick City, on August 29, 2015.