Montpelier, Limerick

O'Briensbridge (Irish place name|Droichead Uí Bhriain|The bridge of O'Brien) is a village in east County Clare, Ireland, on the west bank of the River Shannon. The first bridge across the river here was built in 1506 by Turlough O'Brien, First Earl of Thomond and his brother, the Bishop of Killaloe. At the eastern end of today's 14-arch bridge lies the village of Montpelier in County Limerick. This 16th century bridge was in turn replaced or rebuilt c1750. The five arches on the W side of the bridge date from this period. The six arches on the E side were replaced by the Shannon Commissioners in 1842. The first arch on the W side was replaced by the present navigation arch when the Shannon Scheme was built downstream in 1925-29

The ancient river-crossing here is believed to be identical with "Áth Caille" (meaning "Ford of the Wood"): one of the three fords mentioned in the Triads of Ireland, the others being "Áth Clíath" (Dublin) and "Áth Lúain" (Athlone).

O'Brien's Bridge's local soccer club is Bridge Celtic A.F.C formed in 1963 and currently playing in the Clare Soccer League. The club won the Clare Premier title 2006/07, first time in 28 years.

ee also

* List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
* O'Briensbridge-Montpelier

External links

* [http://www.obriensbridge.com O'Brien's Bridge Live]
* [http://www.bridgeceltic.com Bridge Celtic A.F.C (Local village soccer club formed in 1963) ]