Sad to see the North Kerry line overgrown. The track was lifted entirely the following year. I used to live near the line in the late 90s so would have loved to see it intact.
Who on earth thought it would be better to bring all the freight by road. Rail is so efficient if run by honest reasonable people ( I guess I just answered my own question)
Thank you for sharing this video! I find it really amazing to see how derelict the station at Foynes became after the line was mothballed. When I last visited the nearby Flying Boat Museum in 2011 the station still looked reasonably intact. I’m looking forward to seeing it re-opened and re-roofed when the route opens again. Best wishes from Rob in Bournemouth, Dorset.
It's great that re-laying has now commenced though I have no idea what traffic flows can be generated. Note that there was a lot less red mud by Aughinish 35 years ago.
Great video of significant historical merit. My wife and I did this line from Limerick to Foynes on the 7th October 1995 aboard Irish Traction Group's "Flying Pig Railtour", behind Baby GM no: 190. Sadly, the North Kerry Line was lifted by then, and Ballingrane Junction was just single track. I think the train only went as far as the station at Foynes. My wife's mother and her family all came from Rathkeale, and she grew up in the area and knew both the Foynes branch and North Kerry line very well. MetroVick A Class 047 is also fondly remembered. I rode behind her from Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Harbour Mainland on the 23rd August 1988. Thanks for posting the video.
You’re welcome and great you traveled on the line in 1995. Limerick has lots of railway heritage which successive governments have let goto ruin. Thankfully the Foynes line rebuild will start to reverse the neglect of last 30-40 years.
@@SouthernYard Yes. It will be nice to see a brighter future for Irish Rail. Hopefully, some railway heritage will be retained, personally, I prefer the fluorescent pink lower quadrant semaphores, the single line tokens, the loud 071s, the architecture of the rural stations, and the old signs etc. Modern Irish Rail with DMUs, colour light signalling, and concrete stations, just does not have the same atmosphere. Bring back steam heated CIE, Park Royal and Cravens coaches too.
Sad to see the North Kerry line overgrown. The track was lifted entirely the following year. I used to live near the line in the late 90s so would have loved to see it intact.
Who on earth thought it would be better to bring all the freight by road. Rail is so efficient if run by honest reasonable people ( I guess I just answered my own question)
Plenty of vested interests in Ireland!
Coming back
In full swing baby@@OscarOSullivan
Thank you for sharing this video! I find it really amazing to see how derelict the station at Foynes became after the line was mothballed. When I last visited the nearby Flying Boat Museum in 2011 the station still looked reasonably intact. I’m looking forward to seeing it re-opened and re-roofed when the route opens again. Best wishes from Rob in Bournemouth, Dorset.
Great Video on Thirsty Theresa , Martin Doran the Guard used to carry Jif so he could clean off the names in the cabs. He was known as Blessed Martin.
It's great that re-laying has now commenced though I have no idea what traffic flows can be generated. Note that there was a lot less red mud by Aughinish 35 years ago.
Passengers and containers
Reopening 👏
Great video of significant historical merit. My wife and I did this line from Limerick to Foynes on the 7th October 1995 aboard Irish Traction Group's "Flying Pig Railtour", behind Baby GM no: 190. Sadly, the North Kerry Line was lifted by then, and Ballingrane Junction was just single track. I think the train only went as far as the station at Foynes. My wife's mother and her family all came from Rathkeale, and she grew up in the area and knew both the Foynes branch and North Kerry line very well. MetroVick A Class 047 is also fondly remembered. I rode behind her from Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Harbour Mainland on the 23rd August 1988. Thanks for posting the video.
You’re welcome and great you traveled on the line in 1995. Limerick has lots of railway heritage which successive governments have let goto ruin. Thankfully the Foynes line rebuild will start to reverse the neglect of last 30-40 years.
@@SouthernYard Yes. It will be nice to see a brighter future for Irish Rail. Hopefully, some railway heritage will be retained, personally, I prefer the fluorescent pink lower quadrant semaphores, the single line tokens, the loud 071s, the architecture of the rural stations, and the old signs etc. Modern Irish Rail with DMUs, colour light signalling, and concrete stations, just does not have the same atmosphere. Bring back steam heated CIE, Park Royal and Cravens coaches too.
I knew blessed Martin and I drove 047 engine for service around the Loco shed 40 years ago..
Loved this video, brought back great memories, Thanks.
Lad in the JCB at 03.20 is taking no prisoners
Crossed that single track section near Cappagh many times as a young ladon my way to Uncle PJ Barry's.
I take it that line is out of operation now?
Yes but earmarked for rebuilding and being used as freight only.
Reopening works have started and line being relaid - due to open late 2023
@@SouthernYard Passengers as well
No votes in rail for politicians and no envelopes!!
So true!