Skating Tragedy at Sundrive Road quarry
March 12, 1947
A heartbreaking incident unfolded at the Quarry Pond on Sundrive Road, Crumlin, where two young boys drowned, and a third is feared to have suffered the same fate after the ice gave way beneath them. The tragic event occurred yesterday afternoon, involving a group of 20 to 30 children playing on the frozen pond.
Heroic efforts to save the boys were made by Mr. Thomas Mardy of 131 Leighlin Road, who risked his life in the rescue attempt. Mr. Mardy, upon witnessing the ice collapse, immediately rushed to help, using a lifebuoy in an attempt to reach the struggling children. Unfortunately, the ice broke under him as well, plunging him into the frigid water. Despite his brave efforts, the boys vanished beneath the ice, and Mr. Mardy had to be rescued himself.
The missing boys were identified as Anthony Burke (11) of 50 Saul Road, Michael Byrne (10) of 39 Slane Road, and Edward O’Toole (7) of 3 Leighlin Road. The incident left the community in shock, and the pond, formerly used by the Mount Argus Brick Company but disused for 50 years, became the focus of a grim recovery operation.
Dragging operations by the Gardaí commenced immediately, led by Station-Sergeant Daniel Seery and assisted by Guards Lannin, Dehora, and Doherty, alongside civilian volunteers. The bodies of Anthony Burke and Michael Byrne were recovered, while efforts to locate Edward O’Toole continued.
Witness accounts revealed acts of remarkable bravery among the children present. One boy was seen rescuing at least four of his playmates before he himself was lost to the icy waters. The harrowing scene was described by Mr. Michael Ryan, who reported his son’s narrow escape and the heroic, though ultimately futile, efforts of another young boy.
The tragedy resonated deeply within the community. Mr. John Byrne, father of Christopher Byrne, who also perished, spoke of his son’s love for hurling and football. Similarly, the families of Anthony Burke and Edward O’Toole expressed their grief and called for the hazardous pond to be filled or properly secured to prevent future tragedies.
An inquest at Baggot Street Hospital confirmed that the boys died from asphyxiation. The jury recommended immediate action to either fill in the quarry or secure it with robust fencing. Dr. Brennan, the coroner, commended the courage displayed by all involved, highlighting the extraordinary bravery shown in the face of such a devastating event.
The community remains united in grief, with residents urging authorities to take decisive measures to safeguard their children from the dangers of the disused quarry, which, despite being a known hazard, continued to draw youngsters during the cold spell.