Two firms plead guilty to safety breaches that led to workers' deaths in Limerick

Tim ‘TJ’ O’Herlihy and Bryan Whelan drowned while carrying out work on a bridge over the river Shannon

The scene at Thomond Bridge in Limerick where TJ O’Herlihy, from Co Kerry, and Bryan Whelan, from Co Clare, drowned while carrying out work on the bridge. Picture: Liam Burke/Press 22

Two companies have pleaded guilty before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to breaching safety laws which led to the deaths of two stonemasons, who drowned while carrying out work on a bridge in Limerick six years ago.

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