2-798-796 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Earl of Bandon cutting the first turf for the Cork and Bandon Railway, 1845. James Bernard, 2nd Earl of Bandon, takes part in a ceremony marking the start of railway construction in Ireland. 'The turf had previously been loosened by a labourer, and a plank laid down, upon which the whee barrow was to be driven. His Lordship took the spade and drove it into the yielding earth, amidst a mighty shout from the people; he then flung some spadesful into the barrow, and rolled it along the plank, amidst renewed shouts and increased pressure from the crowd; and thus was the Cork and Bandon Railway commenced!' From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.