Stradbally needs help to run again

IRELAND’S oldest volunteer-run heritage railway has launched a Covid-19 recovery appeal under the banner of SOS: Support Our Steam to cover the losses it suffered as a result of total closure from March last year.

The 3ft gauge Stradbally Woodland Railway in County Laois, part of the Irish Steam Preservation Society, was left without any income to cover overheads during the year, which also saw the cancellation of its annual event, the National Steam Rally – the biggest one in Ireland and held for decades.

A statement from the railway, which began operating in 1969, said: “Our steam locomotive, Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT

No. 2264 of 1949 Róisín has been locked up in its shed all year and we’re counting down the days until it can pull trains for the public again.

“In a different shed in England, another engine of ours is waiting to come home to Stradbally in steam for the first time in years.

“The Mann engine, No. 1216 of 1917, is a steam tractor belonging to the society, and it’s return to steam on home turf is imminent.

“In order to make sure that Róisín can leave its shed and that the Mann engine can come home, we are appealing to the public for donations to make up for our losses in income during 2020.”

➜ Donations to the appeal are invited by visiting the dedicated website: www.idonate.ie/5832_ irish-steam-preservation-society. html