Proposal for name of new bridge
Dear Editor,
I have read with interest the publicity surrounding the naming of the new bridge connecting counties Kilkenny and Wexford.
I believe that the naming of this bridge presents a unique opportunity to honour the socio-economic contribution provided by the Graves family of New Ross to the entire south-east region. More specifically, I have chosen the name of William Graves, who operated the shipping service at New Ross during the period of the Great Famine.
I suggest the bridge be called the William Graves Bridge as a tribute to the entire Graves family for their huge contribution to New Ross and surrounding districts. The Graves Shipping Company commenced operation in New Ross in the early 1800’s, developing the port as a major commercial centre for the import of goods, along with providing local employment.
Their ship passenger service was noted, particularly during and after the period of the Great Famine, for the humane treatment of passengers emigrating from Ireland to America and Canada.
The correspondence of Captain John Williams, who for several years captained the Dunbrody, is indicative of a captain who cared greatly for the well-being of his passengers. William Graves reputedly endeavoured to ensure that his passenger ships maintained a high standard of safety and well-being relative to the travel conditions and the vast numbers seeking passage during that period.
The replica Dunbrody Famine Ship at New Ross quayside bears testimony to the hardships endured by passengers together with the difficulties facing passenger shipping service operators during this period of mass emigration.
Following on from the post Great Famine recovery the Graves Family transferred their business headquarters to Waterford during the early 1850’s. Their business at New Ross, which included timber sawmills and felt manufacturing, continued to expand.
Provisions also included coal; and in later years steel sheds, mainly for the farming community. The Graves name was retained by the company up to the time of its closure. Valuable documents, which might otherwise have been lost, were saved by employees who appreciated the contribution made by the Graves Family to the area, while also recognising the historical significance of the material.
The documents which were carefully preserved were donated to the National Archives of Ireland and more recently to Waterford Institute of Technology. The combined collections of historical data constitute a valuable family and business archive reflecting the socio economic landscape of New Ross and beyond; encompassing the turbulent period of the Great Famine through to the later more prosperous decades of the twentieth century.
The symbolism of naming a bridge spanning water, to commemorate a family who carried so many people safely across water, should not be lost. Who knows – if the Graves family had not operated a passenger service out of New Ross, many people who travelled from the surrounding areas may never have otherwise been afforded the opportunity of seeking a better life on other shores.
Today the town of New Ross would not enjoy the benefits of the Dunbrody Visitor Centre, which has as its central attraction the replica ship Dunbrody from the Graves Shipping Company. A unique opportunity is now presenting itself to honour a notable and esteemed family name in a most appropriate way.
The people of Counties Kilkenny and Wexford, in addition to honouring William Graves, will honour and remember the many people, some long-forgotten, some never traced, who departed from their respective counties, often in dire circumstances.
In a broader sense the bridge name will serve as a permanent reminder of the Graves family who contributed so much to the socio-economic life of the southeast region. Bearing all of this in mind I request that the relevant councils give due consideration to naming the new bridge the William Graves Bridge.
I have submitted this proposal to New Ross Municipal District Council for the consideration of all the relevant councils and/or committee or panel formed to process submissions from members of the public.
Yours sincerely,
Anne Finn,
Co. Wexford