In a sombre turn of events, the town of Roundwood near Cappamore in Co. Limerick is grappling with the tragic demise of Thomas Dwyer, a skilled blacksmith, who met his untimely end following a fatal fall. The incident unfolded yesterday, casting a shadow over the close-knit community and prompting reflections on safety measures in the workplace.

Mr J. J. Murray, J.P., presided over the inquest held at Roundwood, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. According to the proceedings, the creams of Mr Dwyer were heard as witnesses recounted the details of the incident that led to the blacksmith’s demise.

Dwyer, a native of Limerick, was reportedly returning from the village to the workmen’s quarters at Roundwood. The incident occurred late in the evening, around 10 p.m., adding an element of darkness to the tragedy. Initial reports suggest that Dwyer, in the dimly lit surroundings, inadvertently walked into a hazardous area known as the “puddle,” located near the trenches used by workers.

The “puddle” proved to be a perilous pit, concealing a deep cavity that resulted in a fatal fall for Dwyer. His lifeless body was discovered at the bottom of the trench by the Corporation workmen the following day. Dr Harte, who conducted the post-mortem examination, revealed the severity of Dwyer’s injuries, including contusions to the brain, a fractured arm, and injuries to the scalp and thigh.

Despite the gravity of his injuries, Dwyer clung to life until Wednesday, succumbing to pneumonia and the effects of shock and euphony. The community is left to grapple with the loss of a respected member, and questions arise about the safety measures in place at the worksite.

During the inquest, it was revealed that Dwyer had been observed leaving Roundwood on the fateful evening and entering the garden. Witnesses reported that he appeared to be in good spirits, perhaps lured by the promise of a refreshing ice drink. However, tragedy struck as he inadvertently entered the hazardous “puddle,” sealing his fate.

The jury, aligned with the medical testimony, returned a verdict acknowledging the tragic sequence of events. Attention was drawn to the necessity for enhanced protective measures around the trench, emphasizing the importance of ensuring worker safety in such environments.

The Roundwood tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the everyday routines of labourers, urging both employers and workers to remain vigilant in upholding safety protocols. As the community mourns the loss of Thomas Dwyer, discussions about workplace safety are likely to gain prominence in Limerick, with a collective call for preventative measures to avert similar incidents in the future.

Dublin Evening Telegraph – Friday 10 October 1913