Our event titled “To Build a Bridge” brought together quite a crowd gathered at the Limerick end of the closed Black Bridge. Thanks to the National Heritage Week organisers, we had a nice banner and bunting to mark the place.
Among the guests, there were two Limerick City and County councillors: Cllr Marian Hurley and Cllr Elena Secas. Cllr Hurley gave a quick update on the situation of the bridge from a Council perspective, and showed that herself and Cllr Secas are supporting an audit to establish what needs to be done in order for the bridge to be reopened.
Dr. Charlotte Murphy from the Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society, gave an extremely interesting and passionate talk about the history of the Limerick -Killaloe canal and the Limerick Navigation Company, followed by John Elliot, who spoke about the history of Plassey and of the Black Bridge.
After the talks, we enjoyed the hospitality of the Plassey fishermen, who welcomed our idea of having a picnic in the area in front of their cottages. Cake and lemonade were enjoyed while chatting about the past, the present and the future of the Black Bridge.
Thanks to everybody who came to our event today and we hope you enjoyed the afternoon! We’re very grateful that the weather was kind to us here in Limerick!