![]() ![]() It’s hard to believe now, when we have just Kent Station, but at one time this city had no fewer than five railway stations: Exhibitions held in Cork brought not only city residents but visitors from Timoleague or Durrus. Sporting fixtures, instead of being local events, became major occasions held in big cities, where everyone who could travelled by train to cheer on their local team.Ĭountry shows began to attract far larger crowds. And that had its effect on social life generally. ![]() The railway companies soon realised that they could make profitable use of weekends, when freight was less frequent, by offering reduced price fares. So, yes, goods came first, but good times in the form of excursions weren’t long in following. That meant local residents had a far wider choice in their shops than ever before, including the latest in fashion. And the converse was true too.Ī salesman could nip down to Bantry or Skibbereen with a bag or two of samples, whether clothing or footwear, show his wares to a number of merchants there, return with a full order book, and arrange for the goods to be sent down on the next train. Not only could goods be sent from one end of the country to the other speedily, but local West Cork produce could go quickly up to Cork and even beyond, to Dublin, expanding the possibilities for local producers.įresh fish from Baltimore could arrive in our capital, whereas before it would have had to be heavily salted to survive the slow journey. And life would never be the same again.Īt first, these railways were built for the improvement of commerce. Finally, an eerie whistle sounded across the hills, and a column of white smoke was seen moving along the meadows at frightening speed. Buildings, gates, and stone platforms went up. Then, suddenly it seemed, gangs of workmen were digging through hitherto undisturbed landscape, laying iron tracks. Today, when we all travel everywhere by car (although indeed our elected ministers would have it otherwise), it is difficult to imagine just what a difference the train made to the majority of the people in West Cork.īefore its arrival, you lived in your own small village or town, getting your schooling or finding a job there, buying from local shops, probably marrying the girl or boy from next door or down the road. West Cork Railway (Albert Quay) Station pictured in February 1968. Macroom town still has Railway View, although the original station where once the steam train hissed and whistled is now served by buses. In other places, along a country lane or unexpectedly by the edge of a remote field, you will find the old crossing gates still in place, or an abandoned wayside halting station, now home to crows and brambles. And who doesn’t salute the Chetwynd Viaduct as it soars over the Bandon Road, that magnificent example of 19th century engineering? Some of the stations along the line, now in private ownership, have been lovingly maintained to keep the tradition going. That is coming up to 63 years ago, but it is still lamented, still longed for, and wherever devotees are gathered together, you will, sooner or later, hear the cry, “Bring back the West Cork!” ![]() The beloved West Cork Railway was indeed an iconic example of railway transport at its best, used by everyone and everything from businessmen and schoolchildren to cattle and turf - but it was closed forever, on March 31, 1961. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |