Parnell Bridge – Crumlin & Walkinstown History Group

Parnell Bridge

Parnell Bridge, also known as Sally’s Bridge is a single arch limestone bridge built in 1791 by the Grand Canal Company in Dublin. The bridge spans the Grand Canal and connects Clogher Road to Donore Avenue. Parnell Road runs perpendicular to the bridge between Harold’s Cross and Dolphin’s Barn. A plaque bears the 1791 construction date.

Architectural Appraisal
Built in locally-sourced stone, Parnell Bridge exhibits traditional construction techniques, offering a visually textured aesthetic. Despite a 1930s widening that resulted in a newer west elevation, the bridge maintains its original character. The west elevation features an elliptical arch with cut granite voussoirs, while the east elevation displays a concrete arch ring and soffit. The bridge incorporates cut limestone walls with granite string courses, splayed parapet walls ending in square-profile piers, and carved limestone date plaques on both external elevations. Recent modifications to the east elevation contribute to the bridge’s overall structural composition.

Origin of Name – Parnell Bridge
The bridge is named after Sir John Parnell, who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1787 and was a director of the Grand Canal Company despite many people mistakenly thinking the bridge is named after his great-great-grandson Charles Stewart Parnell.

Sally’s Bridge
The name “Sally’s Bridge” has been used since the early 1800s. The origin of the name remains uncertain, leading to various explanations.

Some attribute it to John Sally, a silk weaver, who owned the nearby Ropers Rest and land around the bridge. Ropers Rest was the name of a large country property owned at one time by the family named Roper, and in Petty’s Down Survey Map it is shown as encircled by the Poddle. John Sally owned land on both sides of Parnell Bridge.

Ropers Rest surrounded by River Poddle on Down Survey, 1655 to 1658.

1797 map including Roper’ Rest and Parnell Bridge

1798 map including Ropers Rest and Parnell Bridge

Another theory connects it to the River Saile or Salach, the Gaelic name for the River Poddle, despite its distance from the bridge. The term “Salach” in Irish means filthy or unclean.

An Irish Times article from 1938 suggested a toll bridge operated by an old woman named Sally. Additionally, folklore entertains the idea of Sally as a night-time worker under the bridge arch.

Another theory suggests it was that the canal was lined with Salix or Sally trees.

Works
The road alongside the canal where Parnell Road is now used to be a towing path used by animals to tow the barges along the canal. This tow path and the banks along the Grand Canal was owned by the Grand Canal Company who originally built the canal.

In 1899, the Rural District Council for South Dublin wrote to the Grand Canal Company stating that the Council would take over the road if the company would pay half the cost of putting the road in proper order and that the Council would pay a rent of £10 per year for the road.
In 1902, the section of the road from Clanbrassil Bridge to Parnell Bridge was taken over by the Rathmines Council.
In 1905, the Rathmines Council tried unsuccessfully in court to get the Greenmount Spinning Company and others to pay for the works carried out on the road by the Council.
In 1910, the Council assigned 200 men to complete a road on the section from Parnell Bridge to Camac (Dolphin’s Barn Bridge). The road was called Parnell Place.
In 1924, negotiations took place between the Grand Canal Company and the Council to take over the thoroughfare and build a fine road on the the canal bank from Parnell Bridge to Dolphin’s Barn.
In 1936, negotiations with the landowners (on what is now Clogher Road) took place to build a road to connect Sundrive Road with Parnell Bridge, however, until satisfactory arrangements were reached, work could not proceed.
In 1937, while Harold’s Cross bridge was being rebuilt, buses had to make detours via Sally’s bridge. However, the bridge was never built for buses, and one such driver said “that he dreaded it because it was so narrow and hump-hacked”. The article states “the other day official-looking individuals were seen on Sally’s bridge busy with tapes and instruments, the inference being that Sally’s will be pulled down and widened.”
In August 1937, the Corporation are now considering proposals with respect to bridges for the Crumlin area, and for the replacement of the narrow bridge, known as Parnell Bridge, between Dolphin’s Barn and Harold’s Cross. The replacement will take the form of a new traffic bridge which will open up an alternative route to the Kimmage area., a new traffic artery extending from Kildare Road to South Circular Road.
In 1938, the road underwent significant enhancements, doubling its width during an upgrade.
In 1965, the corporation started work on the erection of traffic lights at the junction of Parnell Road,Clogher Road and Donore Avenue. The stretch between Harold’s Cross bridge and Dolphin’s Barn bridge was mooted to have a pedestrian crossing.

Widening of bridge in 1938

Samuel Beckett
The bridge is mentioned in Samuel Beckett’s “Eneug II” poem.

The near-misses, rescues and tragedies
Parnell Bridge, has silently borne witness to a series of tragic events along the Grand Canal. The waters beneath its arches have held secrets of sorrow and despair, each incident leaving its mark on the local communities. The Grand Canal was used for swimming recreation by local families in the hot Summer months, however many had no formal swimming training and this led to the many near misses and tragedies. The opening of a local swimming pool(now demolished) in Colaiste Caoimhin on Parnell Road, significantly reduced the number of dangerous incidents in the Canal. Swimming lessons and first aid courses were held regularly.

Some of the tragic events that unfolded near this iconic bridge include:

1861 – Anne Fennell’s Mysterious End: In 1861, the lifeless body of an unknown middle-aged woman was retrieved from the canal near Parnell Bridge. Constable Phelan discovered her, and subsequent investigations revealed a servant’s discharge in her dress pocket with the name Anne Fennell, otherwise Farrell. The circumstances surrounding her death remained elusive, as the jury returned a verdict of “found drowned.”
1864 – Sarah Anderson’s Tragic Choice: The year 1864 witnessed the heartbreaking choice of Sarah Anderson, who ended her life by throwing herself into the Grand Canal at Parnell Bridge. Dr. Harty, the county coroner, conducted an inquest, determining that Sarah had committed suicide while labouring under temporary insanity.
1879 – Andrew Butler’s Fatal Cramp: In 1879, the calm of a Sunday morning was shattered when Andrew Butler, a young bricklayer bathing in the canal, fell victim to cramps and drowned near Parnell Bridge. His companions, helpless to assist, witnessed the tragic occurrence, leaving the community mourning the loss of a promising life.
1894 – Mary Molony’s Murder Mystery: The Grand Canal became the stage for a murder mystery in 1894 when Mary Molony, a young woman, was found strangled. Rachel Leonard, a companion, provided information leading to the arrest of Charles Ewers, an officer’s servant. The trial unfolded, revealing a chilling narrative of threats and bloodstained handkerchiefs.
1894 – Mr Thornton Drowns: On Christmas Eve around noon, a man identified as Mr. Thornton, residing on Warren Street, was observed walking along the tow path of the Grand Canal near Portobello Barracks. He subsequently fell into the water, struggling for some time. A crowd gathered, and Private Anthony from the Medical Service Corps, stationed at Portobello Military Barracks, responded to the outcry. He successfully rescued the drowning man, but despite the efforts of Dr. Keyes, who arrived shortly afterwards, the man was pronounced dead. The body was taken to Meath Hospital.
1895 – Ferran’s Mysterious Demise: In 1895, the canal claimed another victim, an army pensioner named Ferran. The circumstances surrounding his drowning added another layer of mystery to the waters near Parnell Bridge.
1895 – A Child’s Grim Discovery: A somber incident unfolded in 1895 when a young man, John Donovan, discovered a small hamper near Sally’s Bridge containing the lifeless body of a child. The heartbreaking scene added to the already poignant tales connected to Parnell Bridge.
1896 – Mary Higgins’ Drunken Despair: The year 1896 saw the tragedy of Mary Higgins, who, in a state of intoxication, met her end in the Grand Canal near Parnell Bridge. Her death, ruled as a suicide while drunk, painted a poignant picture of despair along the canal’s edge.
1901 – Mrs. Evelyn Good’s Mysterious Demise: In 1901, tragedy struck Parnell Bridge when Mrs. Evelyn Good, a visitor from Hull, Yorkshire, drowned in the Grand Canal. Having sought a change of air in Dublin, Mrs. Good left her temporary residence alone, claiming she was going to post a letter. Witnesses later heard a splash and scream, discovering her lifeless body floating towards Harold’s Cross. Despite rescue attempts, Mrs. Good’s life had already ebbed away.
1905 – The Silent Departure of J. Woodward: The year 1905 witnessed the silent departure of J. Woodward, a collector for the Hearts of Oak Insurance Company. Having left his home on Ranelagh Road, Woodward’s lifeless body was discovered in the Grand Canal at Parnell Bridge. A verdict of “found drowned” marked the end of this mysterious chapter.
1906 – Jane Brady’s Drowning: In 1906, Jane Brady, a widow, met her tragic end in the Grand Canal near Parnell Bridge. Witnesses, including a young girl named Maud Rankin, recounted the somber scene of Jane falling into the water. The inquest returned a verdict of accidental death.
1909 – Infant’s Grim Discovery: An open verdict echoed through Parnell Bridge in 1909 when the lifeless body of an infant, about a month old, was found floating in the Grand Canal. Wrapped in black cloth and weighted with an old bell, the circumstances surrounding this grim discovery remained shrouded in mystery.
1909 – Constable Stewart’s Brave Rescue: A tale of bravery unfolded in 1909 when Constable Stewart, on duty at Parnell Bridge, heard cries from the water. Jumping in, he rescued James Bulger, aged 10, who had fallen into the canal after being knocked by his dog. The constable’s swift action and courage saved the young boy.
1911 – Patrick Callaghan’s Enigmatic End: The early morning walks of Patrick Callaghan, a gardener at Beechwood Avenue, ended mysteriously in 1911. His lifeless body was found in the Grand Canal near Parnell Bridge, leaving the community with unanswered questions.
1913 – Constable Byrne’s Heroic Effort: In 1913, Constable Byrne demonstrated exceptional bravery when Peter Grant, aged 14, drowned in the Grand Canal. Despite fully dressed, Byrne plunged into the water twice to rescue the boy, earning commendation for his courageous efforts.
1916 – Peter Hurley’s Tragic End: The tragedy of 1916 unfolded as Peter Hurley, a 15-year-old boy, lost his life in the Grand Canal near Parnell Bridge. Witnesses, including Thomas Farrell, narrated the desperate attempts to save Peter. Despite valiant efforts, artificial respiration couldn’t revive him.
1919 – The Silent Passing of Private Massey: In 1919, Private Massey of the Worcestershire Regiment met a somber fate in the canal between Parnell Bridge and Dolphin’s Barn Bridge. Dr. H. Benson Goulding confirmed death by drowning, yet the jury found no evidence explaining how Private Massey entered the water.
1930 – Andrew Kenna’s Canal Rescue: Near Sally’s Bridge on Parnell Road, Andrew Kenna, a 59-year-old insurance agent, faced imminent danger as he accidentally fell into the Grand Canal. Quick intervention by Mr. John Ryan and his son, aided by a lifebuoy, spared Kenna from tragedy. Dr. L. Ryan’s artificial respiration efforts and the Rathmines Brigade ambulance ensured Kenna’s safe passage to the Meath Hospital.
1930 – Thomas Poland’s Mysterious Demise: Thomas Poland, a 50-year-old Inchicore tram depot employee missing since October 20, was discovered lifeless in the Grand Canal near Parnell Bridge. A barge propeller’s unexpected retrieval of his body near Dolphin’s Barn added intrigue. Dr. L. A. Byrne’s inquest returned a verdict aligning with medical evidence, yet the circumstances of Poland’s entry into the water remained shrouded in mystery.
1937 – Tragic Canal Rescue Attempt: On July 17, Thomas Smyth (12) and Kevin Kelly, both non-swimmers, were bathing near Sally’s Bridge on Parnell Road. Smyth tried to save Kelly when he fell in but tragically lost his own life. Dr. J. P. Shanley recorded accidental drowning for Smyth. Garda Joseph C. Collins and Fireman Patrick Ganly, along with another man, recovered Smyth’s body. Mourners, led by Kevin Kelly, gathered at Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross, for the removal of Smyth’s remains. The funeral procession to Mount Jerome Cemetery included schoolchildren bearing wreaths. Thomas Smith (12) posthumously received a vellum testimonial for his heroic attempt to save Kevin Kelly at Grand Canal, Parnell Bridge, Harold’s Cross, on July 17. Mr. Henry Smyth expressed gratitude to Mr. James Larkin for acknowledging his son Thomas (12), who drowned while trying to rescue Kevin Kelly. A fund raised by Larkin, amounting to £42 15/-, contributed to a memorial stone over Smyth’s grave. The voluntary efforts of the Workers’ Union of Ireland’s marble polishers’ section facilitated the stone’s creation.
1944: Dangerous Stone Throwing by Boys: Nine boys, aged nine to fifteen, were prosecuted by the Grand Canal Company for throwing large stones into the canal between Dolphin’s Barn Bridge and Parnell Bridge. The practice was deemed hazardous, causing boat delays and necessitating significant effort and cost for stone removal. Each boy was fined 5/- and warned about future conduct by Justice McCarthy.
1945: Tragic Drowning of John Francis Collins (3): John Francis Collins (3) was found drowned in the Grand Canal at Parnell Bridge. James O’Brien recovered the child’s body, but despite attempts at artificial respiration, he was declared dead upon arrival at the Meath Hospital. The child had apparently fallen into the water while trying to retrieve a wheel he was playing with. A verdict of accidental drowning was returned at the inquest.
1945: Double Drowning Tragedy in the Fog: In a dense fog, tragedy struck as two young men drowned in the Grand Canal. One victim, identified as Romney Weldrich (about 24), was found at Parnell Bridge. The body of the other victim, Mr. Mulhall, was recovered from James’s Walk. Weldrich was last seen cycling in the fog, and it is suspected that he may have cycled into the canal. A girl named Miss Elsie Waddick, about 17, was rescued from the Grand Canal near Parnell Bridge and taken to the Meath Hospital suffering from the effects of immersion.
1947: Canal Rescues Near Sally’s Bridge: Liam Mullen and John Barry faced difficulties while bathing in the Grand Canal near Sally’s Bridge, S.C.R. They were successfully rescued by Mr. K. G. Bowes of 404 Clogher Rd., who dived fully clothed into the water.
1948: Awards for Canal Rescues: Miss Betty Cummins of 331 Clogher Road received a bravery certificate for rescuing an 11-year-old boy from the Grand Canal at Parnell Bridge. She had jumped fully clothed into the canal on July 23, 1948.
1950: Canal Rescue of Two Children: Patricia Johnston (four years old) and her companion Kathleen Dunne (three years old) were playing at Sally’s Bridge when Kathleen fell into the canal. Patricia went in after her, held her until help arrived, and both children were taken to the Meath Hospital.
1953: Discovery of Man’s Body in Canal: James Carroll (81), an old-age pensioner of 61 Saul Road, Crumlin, Dublin, was found floating in the Grand Canal near Parnell Bridge. The body was taken to the Meath Hospital for an inquest.
1957: Elderly Man Rescued from Drowning: Joseph O’Doherty (89) of 89 Rathdrum Rd., Dolphin’s Barn, was rescued from drowning in the Grand Canal at Parnell (Sally’s) Bridge by Cpl. Michael Honan, 11th Field Ambulance Corps. He was taken to the Meath Hospital in “comfortable” condition.
1958: Tragic Drowning of Boy (6): William Maguire, a six-year-old boy, fell into the canal near Sally’s Bridge. Despite efforts by firemen, volunteer swimmers, and divers, the body was recovered some hours later. The incident attracted a large crowd of onlookers.
1963: Kidnapping Incident at Parnell Bridge: A woman was kidnapped at Parnell Bridge on the Grand Canal. Her screams alerted the authorities, and a pursuit ensued after the station wagon used in the kidnapping. The outcome of the search is not specified in the provided text.
1966: Heroic Canal Rescue by Christopher Conlon: Christopher Conlon, a 16-year-old from St. Theresa’s Gardens, jumped fully clothed into the Grand Canal at Sally’s Bridge, Donore Avenue, rescuing a distressed seven-year-old boy. Christopher continued on his way home without knowing the rescued boy’s name. Christopher Conlon received a watch for his bravery in rescuing the boy from drowning.
1969: Identification of Body in Canal: The body found between Sally’s Bridge and Dolphin’s Barn Bridge was identified as Peter Frank Leslie (52) of Sa Ross Road, off Bride St. The body was taken to the Meath Hospital.
1970: Dramatic Canal Rescue by C.I.E. Bus Crew: Bus conductor Desmond O’Byrne and driver Michael McEvoy, both employees of C.I.E., jumped fully clothed into the Grand Canal at Sally’s Bridge to rescue a man and child in distress. The child, Derek Dempsey, fell into 10 feet of water but was later recovering in Crumlin Hospital. The unidentified man, who tried to save the child, left the scene without revealing his identity. Mr. and Mrs. J. Dempsey, parents of Derek Dempsey, expressed sincere thanks to bus conductor Desmond Byrne, driver Michael McEvoy, and Robert Doyle for rescuing their son from the canal at Sally’s Bridge.
1971: Identification of Local Man: The body taken from the Grand Canal at Sally’s Bridge was identified as Mr. Derek Kenny (39) of Clonmacnoise Road, Crumlin. He was unmarried.
1976: Critical Motorcycle Accident at Parnell Road Junction: A young Dubliner was critically injured and hospitalised in the Mater Hospital after his motorcycle collided with a car at the junction of Parnell Road and Sally’s Bridge. Local taximan Paul Doyle provided assistance until an ambulance arrived.
1978: Death Investigation at Sally’s Bridge: Gardaí investigated the death of James Clarke, Saul Road, Kimmage, whose body was found in the Grand Canal at Sally’s Bridge. Foul play was not suspected.
1981: Fatal Crash at Sally’s Bridge: Vincent Healey (34) of Blarney Park, Kimmage, died, and a woman and child were injured in a van crash at Sally’s Bridge, near Dolphin’s Barn.
1982: Youth Dies in Stolen Car Collision: Leonard Walsh (18) was killed when a stolen car, in which he was a passenger, collided with another car at Parnell Rd. near Sally’s Bridge. The stolen car had crashed into the rear of a Citroen.
1995: Body Identified as Joseph Doran: The body of Joseph Doran (47) from Glenealy Road, Crumlin, was recovered from the Grand Canal near Sally’s Bridge.
1995: Another Body Retrieved from Canal: The body of a man in his 40s from the Drimnagh area was taken from the Grand Canal near Sally’s Bridge.
1998: Fatal Car Plunge into Grand Canal: Dominic Dolan (23) died as passers-by rescued five of his friends from a car that plunged into the Grand Canal between Harold’s Cross Bridge and Sally’s Bridge. Despite efforts to form a human chain and save the passengers, Dolan, the driver, did not survive.

Parnell Bridge stands not only as a robust well-designed architectural landmark in the local area but also as a silent testament to the poignant narratives etched in the currents of the Grand Canal. Let’s hope the next 233 years of its existence bears no reflection of the tragedy that has occurred to date.

Photos