FROM THE ARCHIVES:The passions unleashed by the Parnell split in 1890 were apparent a year later as a group of Parnellites, led by John Redmond, tried to stop an anti-Parnellite group, led by Michael Davitt and William O'Brien, crossing the river Suir to enter Waterford city centre. – JOE JOYCE
WHEN THE city gate of the bridge was reached the real trouble began. In the first place the gate had been closed by the Parnellites, and at the other side was a threatening crowd, some of whom waved sticks over their heads. The anti-Parnellites, amongst whom the faces of Messrs. O’Brien and Davitt were discernible, were checked in their onward movement for some moments, and while they halted a few very heavy stones were thrown from amongst the Parnellites.
A fierce struggle ensued at the gate, the anti-Parnellites endeavouring to break it open, while their opponents did their best to resist them. The police who were behind the packed mass of anti-Parnellites on the bridge were powerless though two mounted constables did their best to get through the crowd. Finally, the anti-Parnellites broke open the gates and their foremost men made a rush with sticks at the Parnellite crowd beyond.
A fierce conflict followed, and sticks could be seen falling heavily on the heads of both factions; but finally the anti-Parnellites forced their way through the gates of the bridge. When they emerged they greatly scattered and fared rather badly, as their rustic appearance was easily recognisable by the other side, but gradually they formed into their ranks again. After a few moments’ delay the anti-Parnellites moved down the line of quays. At the first side street there was a rush of Parnellites, who attacked the advancing contingents. Sticks were again used freely on both sides, and one young man rushed at Mr. Michael Davitt, dealing a heavy blow upon his forehead.
The blood at once commenced to flow, and when it was seen that he had been severely injured there was great excitement amongst his party. Mr. Davitt pulled out his handkerchief at once and staunched the wound. An occasional stone was seen in the air, and amongst those struck with missiles of that nature was Dr. [Charles] Tanner, M.P. [for Mid-Cork]. Two anti-Parnellite bands suffered rather badly, and their drums were torn in several pieces, which were thrown into the river. At the corner of every side street there was a skirmish, making the advance down the quays appear like one continual fight with sticks.
Upon reaching Gladstone street the head of the anti-Parnellite procession doubled up; A large force of police were stationed at the upper end of the street, and as there was a renewed fight with sticks as the rear of the procession was leaving the quays, a considerable force of constables charged with batons. At this time the end of the procession had got mixed up in confusion with the Parnellites, and both sides indiscriminately came in for the heavy blows of the policemen’s batons.
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