Isolated Area — Destruction of Bridges Causes Distresses — Food Scarcity

Galway Observer, 2nd October 1922

Some districts in the West are particularly hard hit by the interruption of road and rail transport.

The town of Tuam, Co. Galway, and the surrounding districts are completely isolated. Merchants are unable to replenish stocks; provisions are running short, and 4,000 persons are threatened with starvation owing to the complete destruction of bridges on road and rail to the nearest towns.

Ballinderry Bridge, two miles from Tuam, in the direction of Athenry, was partly blown up but was rendered secure for traffic on Saturday and Sunday by local people. The bridge however, was completely destroyed early that morning and all traffic suspended.

The bridge at Cloonmore, on the road to Galway — one of the finest structures of its kind in West of Ireland — was completely demolished during the week—end by a charge of high explosives, the force of which shook the houses for miles around.

The difficulties of procuring foodstuffs is illustrated by the experience of four carters who were sent out from Tuam by merchants last Thursday for flour. They were unable to complete their mission until Sunday morning. Twice they set out for Galway, which they were unable to reach.