Tragic Incident at Sundrive Road Quarry: A Tale of Heroism and Loss

On the bitterly cold evening of January 17, 1941, a tragedy unfolded at a disused quarry near Sundrive Road, Kimmage, Dublin. The frozen surface of the quarry became the site of a harrowing event involving two young girls, Clare Coady and Margaret Redmond, who fell through the ice while playing. This incident not only highlighted the dangers of the quarry but also showcased remarkable acts of bravery.

The Incident

Clare Coady, 14, of Slievenamon House, and Margaret Redmond, 11, of 79 Clonmacnoise Road, were playing on the ice with other children when disaster struck. Margaret ventured too far out on the ice, which gave way, plunging both girls into the icy water.

Hearing the commotion, Clare’s older sister, Eileen Coady(21), rushed to the scene but fainted upon witnessing the dire situation. John Woods, a 17-year-old from Keogh Square, Dublin, working nearby, sprang into action despite being a non-swimmer. Braving the treacherous ice, Woods ran approximately 30 yards and leapt into the freezing water to save the girls.

The Rescue Effort

Woods managed to grip both girls in the water. Despite the perilous conditions and the ice cutting into his arms and legs, he held on tightly. A lifebuoy was thrown to him by James Byrne, a young boy from Stannaway Road, but the rope attached to it broke, rendering it ineffective. Nevertheless, with the assistance of John Bannon, a breadserver from Johnston, Mooney & O’Brien’s, Woods was able to pull Clare Coady to safety.

Tragically, Margaret Redmond could not be saved. Despite Woods’ valiant efforts, she disappeared beneath the icy waters. The search for her body continued throughout the evening.

Aftermath and Recognition

Both Clare Coady and John Woods were taken to Meath Hospital, where they were treated for their injuries. Eileen Coady was also hospitalised after collapsing at the scene but was discharged later that night.

The inquest, held at the Morgue, Londonbridge Road, paid tribute to the heroism displayed during the incident. Dr. J.F. Brennan, the Coroner for County Dublin, praised Woods’ bravery, suggesting that he deserved the highest honours. He expressed deep admiration for Woods, emphasising the extraordinary nature of his courage and calling for recognition from the government and the Royal Humane Society.

Carnegie Hero Fund Award

In recognition of his bravery, John Woods was presented with the Freedom of the City and later presented with a parchment certificate and £10 by Dr. Brennan on behalf of the Carnegie Hero Fund. Dr. Brennan highlighted Woods’ actions, describing him as one of the “army of unemployed” who selflessly saved Clare Coady from drowning. He noted that Woods might have also rescued Margaret Redmond had the life-saving apparatus of the Dublin Corporation not been vandalized. Dr. Brennan criticised those responsible for the destruction, stating that they could not be too happy with the tragic consequences of their actions.

Following the presentation, Woods shared with an Irish Press reporter that he had found work shortly after the rescue but was now unemployed once again.

In March, John also was awarded a vellum from The Royal Humane Society.

Ongoing Quarry Hazards

The inquest also revealed ongoing issues with the quarry. John O’Shea, an engineer with the Corporation Housing Department, testified about the repeated vandalism of fences and warning signs around the quarry. Despite efforts to secure the area, including plans to convert the quarry into a swimming pool, these measures proved insufficient in preventing the tragedy.

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