Certain jobs would seem to present a clear occupational hazard, though it was a rarity when a veteran Corporation worker was crushed to death in Waterford city in mid-November 1938.

Patrick Maddox (68) from Morrison’s Road was killed almost instantaneously beneath a fall of rock at Bilberry Quarry.

While engaged with another quarryman in clearing away rock following morning blasting operations, Paddy, who was 14 feet up on a sloping ledge “barring out” loosened stones, was unable to get clear in time and was struck by falling mass weighing a couple of tons.

“Slips” were a common cause of quarrying accidents, but was the first fatal accident to occur at the site in its thirty-three years.

An inquest was held in the Library at Lady Lane and the terrible injuries suffered by the deceased were outlined. Andrew Maddox identified the remains as those of his father, whom he’d last seen in good health going to bed at 11 o’clock the night before. Evidence of what happened was given by fellow workmen James Sullivan (Congress Place) and Peter Sheehan (Philip Street).

Rev. Fr. Ahearne, C.C., St John’s, had been quickly on the scene and ministered to the stricken man’s spiritual needs before he succumbed.

It heard that Paddy was an experienced quarryman, who, like his father before him, devoted his lifetime to what he considered a labour of love. Industrious and good natured, he was described as a general favourite among the gang who surely pondered their own fate and fortune after his sad demise.