DOWN THE YEARS
HUNDREDS FROM THROUGHOUT IRELAND TURN OUT FOR A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT IN HISTORY April 1999
IT is all smiles and style at Clarke Station as hundreds of people from throughout Ireland join with large crowds of locals to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the railway in Dundalk.
Even the weather co-operates to make it a unique occasion, a day to remember and a time for rejoicing and celebration.
The station, nowadays a veritable panoply of colour, is enhanced by the sights and sounds of a bygone though halcyon era.
Two powerful steam locomotives, resplendent in their sky-blue livery, purr on the platforms, ready for the off.
The excitement and enthusiasm of those ready to board, among them railway buffs and the curious, is complemented by the music of Dundalk Brass Band and Carlingford Pipe Band.
The hiss of steam from the locomotives mingles with the cheering and laughter of the milling crowds as they board for historic journeys.
Pulled by the No. 85 Merlin locomotive (one of the five 4-4-0 compounds rebuilt in the locomotive works on the Ardee Road) the southbound train sets out on the 22 miles to Drogheda.
Simultaneously, the northbound train pulled by the No. 171 Slieve Gullion locomotive, built in the works in 1938/39, starts a similar length journey to Poyntzpass.
Following the departure of the trains, two plaques located at the station’s entrance to commemorate the anniversary are unveiled by former staff members of the Great Northern Railway in Dundalk, Tom McDevitt, Paddy Mallon, Dessie Woods, Jim Mullen and Paddy Boyle, to the accompaniment of trumpet blasts.
One plaque is in recognition of the contribution made by the Great Northern Railway (1) to the social and economic life of Dundalk.
The other is dedicated by Iarnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways in recognition of the contribution made by rail transportation in developing peace and reconciliation in Ireland to the benefit and welfare of all.
Garret Walley, Connolly Station, is town crier, and Tom Devoy, regional manager, is master of ceremonies.
Mr Devoy says Dundalk is a premier station with a new freight yard and an Enterprise passing through daily.
Last year’s Heritage Award, he adds, is a singular tribute to station master Brendan McQuaid and his staff.
Joe Meagher, managing director, Iarnród Éireann, refers to the wonderful museum and says Dundalk is a commuter station trying to increase its capacity and expand.
Railways and Dundalk are synonymous, notes urban council chairman Cllr Séamus Byrne.
He says the wheel is about to turn full circle with a revival of rail transport on the way. There is a new mood and confidence.
Minister Dermot Ahern TD refers to local man Jack McQuillan’s book, ‘ The Railway Town’ and quotes from it.
He remarks the government is keenly aware of the need to invest in railway infrastructure and he expects Dunleer station to re-open soon.
The minister congratulates Mr McQuaid and his staff for developing the station.