Patrick Rooney

While searching for implements that had been stolen from the Headford and Kenmare Railway, Constables Rooney and James McVeigh were trying to cross the River Flesk via a makeshift bridge supported by stakes sunken into the riverbed.

James stepped onto the bridge first followed by Patrick who was then caught by a strong gust of wind and lost his balance.

He tried to steady himself by grabbing Constable McVeigh’s cape but both men fell into the river and were swept away by the strong current.