Right track

On the right track

Michael Commins

THE arrival of the new ‘railcar’ created quite a stir at Claremorris Station last Saturday week. Iarnród Éireann took one of the new fleet to Claremorris for the day, and it proved a big attraction for train enthusiasts and onlookers alike.
Myles McHugh, one of the well-known names associated with Iarnród Éireann public relations here in the West, was down from Galway, as were a number of other prominent names with the company. It was clear they were pleased with the new addition, which is hoped will be in service on the Mayo-Dublin line this summer.
The first thing that strikes you about the new train is the design and sleek look. It is radically different in appearance. Gone completely is the engine at the front. Instead an engine is located underneath each carriage. Thus, should an engine fail, there will be no need to have to wait for another to come down the line, and long delays in this regard should be a thing of the past.
The new train is capable of reaching a speed of 70 miles from a stationary position in just over a mile of track. Stopping distance for a train travelling at 70pmh has been reduced from three-quarters of a mile to a quarter of a mile. The three-carriage trains, which will be the normal size, will be able to carry in the region of 200 passengers. Extra carriages can be added as the need demands. But the days of the long trains with numerous carriages appear to be nearing an end.
Station manager Dolores Keaveney was among those present to welcome the many people who rambled along to see the new train and who went on board to sample the new comforts that await train passengers. Ann Elliott, manager at Westport Station, was there too.
West on Track campaigner Colman O’Raghallaigh was among those to welcome the imminent new service on the Mayo-Dublin line. “I hope it won’t be too long until she’ll be taking a right turn leaving Claremorris!” quipped Colman, who is looking forward to the day that the passenger trains will run again on the Claremorris to Galway-Limerick line.
Maybe some of the Kiltimagh contingent who came by to see the ‘new arrival’ were thinking the same in relation to the ‘old line’, which runs from Claremorris through Kiltimagh and on down to Collooney.
Paddy Kelly, who has resided in Claremorris for many years, but who is also a native of Kiltimagh, was in expansive and jovial mood as usual. Paddy had plenty of yarns to tell about events in former times, some nicely embellished to add to the flavour! He has travelled across America by truck and has a vast knowledge of the transport systems.
One man who was very impressed with the new train was Tom Chambers from Newport. Tom was delighted with the greatly improved accessibility for mobility-impaired customers. An accident many years ago changed Tom’s life, and he has since been an active campaigner in relation to access matters. He expressed his thanks and gratitude to Melanie McDonagh, co-ordinator for disability issues with Iarnród Éireann, for all her help and assistance and constant interest along the way.
For current members of the Iarnród Éireann staff and former members of the CIE staff, it was an afternoon to cherish at Claremorris station. Ann Hanley and friends ensured that a nice cup of tea or coffee and some refreshments were ready for all who wished to partake.
The traditional train seems to be on its way out, and the sleeker, and far less noisy ‘railcar’ model looks set to be the new look of the railways in the months and years ahead. The times they are a changin

Is there a dead man walking out there?

A SEARCH is under way for a ‘dead’ man to come forth for a special night in Ballina.
Betty Sweeney is anxious to locate a ‘corpse’ to take part in a special traditional wake in the Auld Shebeen in the town on Friday night, March 28.
And it’s all in aid of a good cause.
“We want some person to volunteer as a corpse for around 40 minutes on the night. We’ll wake him in the pub and then transfer him in the coffin to a hearse waiting outside and bring him for a late-night jaunt around the town.
“We will have ‘nuns’ and ‘caoners’ and a lot of things associated with the traditional Irish wake. It should generate plenty of interest.
We are getting the coffin from David McGowan.
Now, all we are waiting for is a volunteer to rest in whatever peace he can for the duration of the wake,” says Betty.
The venture is in support of the MS Society of Ireland, and Betty believes they have a winner on their hands. Volunteers for the rest in the coffin can contact Betty at 086 1236175.

Lighting up the lives of others

MAKING a dream come true for others was the driving motive behind the Christmas lighting display organised by Madeleine and Seamus Swift outside their home in Kiltimagh during the festive season.
Not for the first time, the lights and Christmas characters attracted a lot of attention.
The beneficiary of the display on this occasion was the Make A Wish Foundation, and the Kiltimagh venture raised €2,240.
“We were delighted that this year’s Christmas lighting display received such generous support,” says Madeleine.
“We would like to thank the many people who stopped by and made their own contributions, no matter how small, as it all helped the cause.
“A special thanks to the students at Davitt College in Castlebar who also made a sizeable contribution and likewise to the Bank of Ireland in Kiltimagh for their generous support.
The Make A Wish Foundation is delighted with the response and join with us in extending thanks to all who helped out in any way.”

Good wishes, Fr John

THE people of Kiltimagh and neighbouring parts join with us in extending every good wish to Fr John Durkan who is due to undergo a major operation this week. Fr John is a popular and esteemed priest in the parish, and all in the region look forward to seeing him make a full and speedy recovery and his return to Kiltimagh in the coming weeks.

Luke on recovery road

WELCOME home to Luke Maber from Treenagleragh, who is making fine progress after a recent spell in hospital.
Luke is a man who enjoys a good sing-song and has been known to render a verse or two of such numbers as ‘The Streets of Baltimore’ and ‘She’s In Love With A Rodeo Man’. Continued success on the road to recovery. Keep it country, Luke!