In bygone days, many a tear was shed when the Rosslare train passed over the viaduct at Carrigabrick as people from the area headed off to eke out a living in London, Manchester or further afield. The well known landmark will hold many happy memories also of a time when youngsters were drawn to it as they ran through ‘the inches’ to pass another carefree summers’ day.

And now, after years of it being talked about, new life is to be breathed into the old viaduct with plans to develop it as a public amenity which would allow people to access the bridge and enjoy the spectacular views it affords.

The viaduct, once the setting for part of the 1966 World War One film ‘The Blue Max’ that saw stunt pilot Derek Piggott fly his Fokker triplane under the bridge, leaving himself just four feet of wing clearance on either side.

In the film, two German WWI pilots (George Peppard and Jeremy Kemp) went head to head in a death defying duel, both wanting to be master of the skies and it saw Piggott fly the plane under the wide bridge span 15 times and no less than 17 times beneath the narrow span back in 1965.

The viaduct is still part owned by Iarnrod Eireann and Cork County Council. Avondhu Blackwater Partnership who are behind the plan, want to add seating and entry gates and put in pathways when the structure is being refurbished. A great project and a massive amenity for the town!