Businessmen standing on Wexford O’Hanrahan platform at Redmond Square ahead of the train’s departure to Plunkett Station, Waterford in the 1950s.

In September 1952 the Barrow Bridge at Mountgarrett, New Ross was destroyed by fire and all goods and passenger services between Waterford and Wexford were dislocated. The fire was discovered at about 5.30am by an elderly farm labourer (named Kirwan) who ran along the line for a mile to Ross station to raise the alarm.

The local fire brigade arrived to find the centrepiece of the crossing, which spanned the Barrow at Mount Elliott, burning rapidly. This part of the bridge was used as a swivel table to allow boats to pass up and down the river.

The fire was believed to have broken out due to a spark or lump of coal from the engine of a passing train which caused the creosote wooden structure to ignite.

Fanned by the breeze up the river, the flames reached seven feet in height and a 50-foot middle section of the 68-year-old bridge was completely destroyed. Buses and lorries were substituted in while the damage was being repaired.