Athy train station gets a blast from the past

ATHY was the filling stop for the Great Northern steam train on its journey from Dublin to Kilkenny, otherwise known as Marble City.

Locals, passersby and those awaiting trains were delighted to catch sight of the train on Sunday, August 24, which stopped at the train station for around a half hour while some very complicated refueling was happening.

Local man Robert Dancey heard the familiar ‘choo-choo’ and headed right down to the station to see it in all its glory.

Mr Dancey explained that the service, run by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, is a fantastic experience for older people who might remember the era of steam trains who might want to share it with their families.

He said: “The carriages were all full. It was pulling five or six carriages, and it books out big time. It's a sociable day out.” The sold-out event took place on carriages hauled by steam locomotive No. 131. The train was made up of Cravens coaching stock, complete with a snack car serving a variety of hot and cold food throughout the day, with draught and craft beer available throughout the return trip in the “renowned bar car”.

The Society advertised the event on their website and wrote:

“Treat yourself to a trip in vintage carriages from the early 1960s, travelling behind a vintage steam locomotive to the Marble City of Kilkenny.” “Enjoy the journey through the landscape of the counties of Dublin, Kildare and Kilkenny.” The journey, which started at 10.15 am at Connoly Station in Dublin reached Kilkenny at 12.40 pm after its pitstop in Athy, and offered passengers a break in the city before heading back to Dublin at 3.55 pm.