Cork’s new bridges formally named after public nomination

Names have been selected for Cork City’s two newest bridges after more than 100 suggestions were made by members of the public.

Cork City Council asked the public to help choose names for the bridge connecting Wandesford Quay via Lambley’s Lane to South Main St, and the bridge and pathway connecting Proby’s Quay to South Main St through the former Beamish and Crawford brewery site.

Submissions opened in December 2025 and closed in January 26, with the council saying that names that honour, celebrate, or remember a person, group, or events of significance that have helped to shape the city would be considered.

The name with the most nominations for both bridges was Don O’Leary, yet the council ruled this out, as rules state that a person after whom something is named must be deceased for at least 20 years.

For this reason, suggestions of Roy Keane, Mary Crilly, Caitríona Twomey, Rena Buckley, Cillian Murphy Jimmy Barry-Murphy, and Brian Crowley were not considered.

Consideration

Among the more than 100 names that were technically up for consideration included Bridge to Nowhere, Bridgey McBridgeface, and The Echo Bridge.

Councillors put together a shortlist with Crosses Green Bridge, Cumann na mBan Bridge, Frederick Douglass Bridge, Sir Henry’s Bridge, Joan Denise Moriarty Bridge, Mother Jones Bridge, and Richard Beecher Bridge for the first bridge.

Proby’s Bridge, Brewery Bridge, Frank O’Connor Bridge, Seamus Murphy Bridge, and Wallace Sisters Bridge were shortlisted for the second bridge.

These then went to a vote at Monday night’s council meeting, before which Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy said he was “really excited” about the process, and was delighted to see how many submissions had been received, commending the council for the open call.

Sculptor Séamus Murphy whose work includes the design of the Church of the Annunciation, Blackpool, was selected for the Proby’s Quay bridge. Cumann na mBan Bridge was selected as the name for the Lambley’s Lane bridge.