On Saturday 1st July 1902 the Paddle Steamer Ida ceased operation on the New Ross to Waterford run. The paddle steamers had commenced from the town in 1836 when the newly formed Waterford Steamship Company saw a means of getting agricultural produce to the city promptly and efficiently. Commencing with the PS Shamrock the service ran each day except Sundays, leaving New Ross at 8.45 am and arriving in Waterford at about 10. She left for the return journey at 3pm.
The steamers were a central feature of the inland port and were scenes of much commercial trade and passenger transport. As such they were considered with much pride and a sense of endearment. A week after the service ceased, the New Ross Standard captured the loss.
Continue reading “Passing of the PS Ida”