Remembering 150 Years Of Tuam Railway

Arts and Entertainment - Events

Monday, 20 September 2010 08:25

Written by Noel Cotter

Preparations are underway for a community celebration of 150 years of Tuam Railway.

The initiative is being driven by Tuam Chamber of Commerce and Tuam Town Council and supported by West on Track. Hundreds of members of the local community have volunteered their time and talents to give both the line and platforms a major facelift in preparation for the event.

The Athenry to Tuam line was engineered and built by William Dargan often referred to as the father of Irish Railways. Up to 750 men were employed at the height of the construction work on the line which was completed within budget and in the allotted time of eighteen months. Tuam Railway was then officially opened to passenger services on 27th September 1860.

Celebrations kick off at 11am on Monday 27th September in the Railway Station, Vicar St, Tuam. Confirmed guests of honour on the day include representatives of Iarnrod Eireann, local and national politicans, as well as workers from the last days of the rail in Tuam.