Locals 'totally shocked' after collapse of Mullaghboy bridge

Published: Tue 22 Jul 2025, 12:14 PM

Last updated: Tue 22 Jul 2025, 2:29 PM

The collapse of the Mullaghboy Bridge has left locals in the area "totally shocked" however grateful that nobody was injured during the incident.

It has been described as a "freak" occurrence which has left a hole about the size of the car where the bridge once stood, with one arch of the structure completely collapsed and washed down the river by the force of flood water the previous evening.

While the other side of the bridge remains upright, those in the area fear that further damage could happen.

Now two piles of stones and barricades block the road to the bridge on both sides, not allowing any traffic down in that direction.

A popular walking and scenic route along 'The Cavan Way' which connects Glangevlin to Blacklion, there was no advanced warning signage on the road to alert anybody of the danger before them when the Celt visited the bridge this morning.

However, a council spokesperson has stated that more signage is due to go up today. On down the road, the bridge is cordoned off by fences.

Father of three Shane McManus felt "shocked" when he saw the collapsed bridge.

"I drove over it this morning, my wife drove over it this morning, a lot of my family drove over it," he told the Celt yesterday.

"It could have happened to any of us, it could have went in at any time," he said, describing the ten-foot drop down into the river, which is about 500 metres away from his home.

In response to a query from the Celt, a Cavan County Council spokesperson stated: "Cavan County Council is currently assessing the damage to Mullaghboy Bridge on the L-1012-0 at Gowlan caused by the recent exceptional rainfall event."

"Bridge repair at this location is being given priority, in order to re-open the road at the earliest possible date."

The council have said "a detailed assessment will take place by a structural engineer" and added that the road open date of September 26 given online is "subject to change until it has been assessed."