Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Martin Mernagh worked for the ESB and was involved in the rural electrification programme at the time.
At one stage, Martin noticed that workers were using shovels and manual methods to lift and position poles, which he felt was dangerous and that there had to be a safer and more efficient way of doing it. He came up with the idea of designing a mechanical lifter that could pick up a pole, move it into position and put it down safely.
Martin designed the original prototype of the lifter. The equipment used today on JCBs is much more advanced and refined, but the basic idea came from his original design. At the time, the ESB recognised his work and gave him a £50 prize for the invention.
It was a very clever and practical idea, and here is his brother Kevin telling me about it.
Martin Mernagh worked for the ESB and was involved in the rural electrification programme at the time.
At one stage, Martin noticed that workers were using shovels and manual methods to lift and position poles, which he felt was dangerous and that there had to be a safer and more efficient way of doing it. He came up with the idea of designing a mechanical lifter that could pick up a pole, move it into position and put it down safely.
Martin designed the original prototype of the lifter. The equipment used today on JCBs is much more advanced and refined, but the basic idea came from his original design. At the time, the ESB recognised his work and gave him a £50 prize for the invention.
It was a very clever and practical idea, and here is his brother Kevin telling me about it.
