The first train from Cavan to Dublin started on 8th July 1856 and was run by the Midland Great Western Company. In 1857 work commenced on the line between Cavan and Clones. This line was constructed by the Dundalk and Enniskillen Railway Company. (As a result of name changes and mergers, the company in 1876 became known as the Great Northern Railway Company {Ireland}.)
As early as 1853 there had been moves afoot to link the line from Mullingar to Cavan with a new line from Cavan to Clones. The following report summerises the views of the interested parties.
http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1853/JUN.html
"June 23, 1853
As early as 1853 there had been moves afoot to link the line from Mullingar to Cavan with a new line from Cavan to Clones. The following report summerises the views of the interested parties.
http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1853/JUN.html
"June 23, 1853
RAILWAY TO CLONES.
A meeting was held in the Court-house of Cavan on the 20th instant, according to advertisement, for the purpose of inducing the gentry and merchants of this town and neighbourhood to lend a hand in carrying out the useful project of making a line of Railway from this town to Clones. The Railway from Armagh to Clones is in progress. The line from Mullingar to Cavan will be in progress immediately. It must be apparent to every one that the gap between these two important lines must be filled up. To effect this object, the above meeting was called, and though the notice was necessarily very short, yet we are happy to find the meeting was so well and so respectably attended.
The chair was taken at one o'clock by Theophilus THOMPSON, Esq., J.P., who made a few prefatory remarks, and then Mr. ANKETELL and two or three other gentlemen who attended as a deputation from Monaghan and Belfast, addressed the chair, and explained the object of their visit. The most perfect unanimity prevailed ; every one seemed of opinion that a railway connecting the two lines should be made ; one or two gentlemen however, were of opinion that the line should keep to the East, and pass through Cootehill to Ballybay, rather than Clones. This, however, would involve an outlay of double what would be required to connect us with Clones.
The chair was taken at one o'clock by Theophilus THOMPSON, Esq., J.P., who made a few prefatory remarks, and then Mr. ANKETELL and two or three other gentlemen who attended as a deputation from Monaghan and Belfast, addressed the chair, and explained the object of their visit. The most perfect unanimity prevailed ; every one seemed of opinion that a railway connecting the two lines should be made ; one or two gentlemen however, were of opinion that the line should keep to the East, and pass through Cootehill to Ballybay, rather than Clones. This, however, would involve an outlay of double what would be required to connect us with Clones.
The line to Clones, if properly laid down, is only 1000 1/2 or 11 Irish miles, and a perfect level -- only two trifling streams to be crossed. It could be finished for less than eighty thousand pounds. When completed it will be amalgamated with the Armagh and Clones Railway conferring upon the shareholders all the advantages to be derived from a union with that important time. It will form part and portion of the long projected grand central trunk line of Ireland extending from Clones to Limerick, with a branch to Galway, and will also connect us with Derry by Enniskillen, and must eventually prove a very profitable investment.
One third of the shares necessary for conveying out this project have been already subscribed for in Belfast ; the Ulster line have taken a large number ; in Armagh the names of most of the principal monied men are connected with it, and we are happy to say the deputation have been very successful in Cavan also. We believe upwards of a hundred shares have already been subscribed for, and we have no doubt that other parties will yet come forward and remove the reproach which rests upon this county of being the only county in Ireland indifferent to the advancement of railways.
We may here suggest the propriety of a branch line to Belturbet."
I understand Theophilus THOMPSON, Esq., J.P., came from the Cloverhill area.
This massive project was completed without the advantage of modern technology such as mechanical diggers, but using horses and carts and specially designed cranes, which employed pulleys, ropes and buckets. The work took five years to complete.
The first train left Cavan for Clones on Monday 7th April 1862 at 5 a.m. reference (“The Civic History of the Town of Cavan”, T. S. Smyth 1928, pp 123-124 and John Smith, Farnham Road, Cavan.) The route skirted the village, coming through Dromheen (i.e. Loreto College, where there was a halt beside the small hut for passengers, usually nuns, to board and dismount), Ballymacanroe, Rahultan, Coolboyogue, Derrygarra Upper and Derrygarra Lower, Innishbeg, Plush, Drumaharrid, Keeny and onwards to Ballyhaise Station. These trains were steam locomotives and carried not just passengers but mail, coal, milk, livestock, grain, etc. In daylight hours a white faced tail board attached to the last vehicle of the train indicated an ordinary occasion, a red faced board indicated a special train was following shortly, and a lighted tail lamp was exhibited from dusk, and during fog or snow conditions. This function was the responsibility of the train guard who always occupied the last van on a train. The signalman would be expected to report any irregularities. There was plenty of opportunity for work in the construction phase; later when the line was fully operational, a job on the railway was keenly sought after. The company provided full time, life time employment and wages were considered good at the time. Before a train would leave the station it had to wait the arrival of the oncoming train and take “the staff” from its driver so as to ensure that the line was clear for traffic.
Many tragedies occured in the completion and running of the railway as evidenced by the following reports in the Cavan Observer dated 5th October 1861.
http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1861/OCT.html
"FATAL ACCIDENT
We regret to be compelled to record another fatal accident on the works of the Cavan and Clones Railway. On Thursday evening a boy named Michael ALLEN was unyoking a horse from one of the waggons, when he slipped and fell. The waggon rolled over his body, inflicting terrible injuries upon the abdomen and thighs. He was brought into the County Infirmary about seven o'clock, but the injuries sustained by him precluded all chance of recovery. Deceased was a native of Butlersbridge (near which village the accident occurred), and was only about fifteen years of age. The body was removed to Butlersbridge on yesterday, for the purpose of having an inquest held upon it." The following report on the cornor's inquest appeared in the local paper refhttp://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1861/OCT.html
CORONER'S INQUEST
An inquest was held before Wm. POLLOCK, Esq., Coroner, on Saturday last, at the house of Mr. Hugh BRADY, publican, Butlersbridge, on the body of Michael ALLEN, who died at the County Infirmary, in consequence of injuries received by him whilst working on the Cavan and Clones line of railway near Butlersbridge. The jury were "hard to get and heavy to hold"--two or three of them appearing to think it too bad that they should be called upon to listen to or investigate any evidence concerning the death of their unfortunate young fellow-townsman. One juror, indeed, thought the investigation so unnecessary that he took advantage of a favourable opportunity, and walked away in the middle of evidence......When about to enter the room where the body of deceased lay coffined, the jury were confronted by his brother, who, armed with a pitchfork, swore that no one should enter the room, or touch the body of deceased. Remonstrances proving of no avail, he had to be forcibly disarmed and carried out of the house by the Constabulary...The deceased appeared to have been a fine young lad of about sixteen years of age....Some of the witnesses examined gave their evidence with great reluctance, because the Coroner refused to give them a day's wages each--one witness, a man name O'DONNELL, threatening to bring the Coroner before the "Bench of Crowns" unless his demand for payment were complied with!
RAILWAY ACCIDENT.
Elsewhere in our columns may be found an account of a lamentable accident which occurred on the railway line between Cavan and Clones on last Friday evening. We need not here repeat the circumstances; but we cannot refrain from stating that there is a universal feeling of deep and earnest sympathy with the parents and relatives of the decease. It must be some consolation to them in their bitter sorrow, to know that neighbours, friends, and acquaintances, of all creeds and classes, would willingly enlighten the burden of their affliction if that were possible. We have much satisfaction in mentioning that in this instance no blame can attach to the Railway Company or their officials. Mr. ARMSTRONG, solicitor, and Mr. ATWELL, station-master attended the inquest of Mrs. PRUNTY's remains; and offered, on behalf of the Railway Company, to produce any of their servants whose presence or testimony might be required by the Coroner or the jury. The evidence given does not impute blame to any one, nor excite suspicion against any one; and it is probable the accident would not have occurred but that the shadows of the evening were rendered denser and darker by the heavy showers of snow then falling.
At the same time we must take this opportunity of warning the public generally against the folly of walking on the Railway line. Those who do so violate the law, and are liable to be prosecuted and fined. The railway companies have adopted all necessary means to make this universally known; and we are persuaded there are very few who can plead ignorance of the law. If the matter could be confined within these limits, we should be quite content to leave it so; but there is the more serious consideration, that those who thus violate the law expose themselves to the danger of instant death. In many instances fatal accidents have resulted from this cause alone. We hope that those who have hitherto indulged the foolish and criminal practice of walking on the railway line will henceforth abandon it; otherwise, the Railway Company should vigorously enforce the law against all offenders without respect of persons.
A WOMAN KILLED ON THE RAILWAY NEAR BUTLERSBRIDGE.
About seven o'clock on last Friday evening, Mrs. Mary PRUNTY, wife of a farmer living near Redhills was killed by the up-train from Clones, while walking on the line on her way home from Cavan. The accident occurred at Coolbuyogue, about two miles from Cavan, where there is a sharp curve in a deep cutting. Mr. M'FADDEN, Coroner, opened the inquest at two o'clock on Saturday. A jury having been empannelled (sic). The first witness examined was Thomas BARTLY, who deposed that he is a milesman in the employment of "The Great Northern Railway;" early on Friday morning Joseph McCREERY, of Ballymacarne told him that while going along the line to a fair he saw a woman lying dead on the line at the entrance to Henry REILLY's cutting in Coolbuyogue; went to the place and found her lying about four feet from the rail on the left hand as you approach Cavan; found the half return ticket - Cavan to Redhills - (produced) in her glove and 16s. 6d. in her pocket; the police came up and they brought the remains to Mr. KENNY's barn in Rahulton; witness passed the place at six o'clock the previous evening and she was not there; believes she was killed by the seven o'clock up-train from Clones. As no person could identify the body, the inquest was adjourned until the following day. Sunday. The inquest was resumed to-day at 12 o'clock.
Mr. John Francis PRUNTY, Rathmulligan, Redhills, identified the body as that of his wife, Mary Prunty, aged about thirty-five; between two and three o'clock on Friday last deceased left his house alone for the purpose of traveling by rail from Redhills station to Cavan to consult Dr. MATHEWS about her health; he expected her to return by the rain leaving Cavan at 5:15 p.m.; she told him when going away that if Dr. Mathews would not be at home she would stop all night with her friend Mrs. CLERKIN; she had £1 going away; 16s. 6d. was found on her body; she was of strictly temperate habits; about three o'clock on yesterday he heard from a policeman that his wife had met with an accident; came over here and found that she had been killed; deceased left one child who will be six years old in May; doesn't believe she met with foul play; is of opinion he would be a trespasser if he were found walking on the line; but cannot say if deceased had the same knowledge; there is a "public pad" along the line for more than seven years; believes his wife met her death by a railway train passing over her; the half return ticket - Cavan to Redhills (produced) found on her would have been taken up at Redhills if she had traveled in the train all right to Redhills.
Constable DOLAN was on "train duty" that day; when returning to the barracks, after seeing the 5:15 p.m. train off to Clones, he met deceased at the Waterside; she asked him if the Clones train had gone, he said it had, and that there was no other train for Clones that night; she appeared disappointed and said, "My God, what will I do. Must I walk," and hurried off towards the railway station; she was perfectly sober. To a juror - I never saw her before. I saw her dead body and am sure she is the person. John BRADY (platform porter at Cavan) saw deceased standing on the platform after the departure of the 5:15 p.m. train for Clones; she asked him if it had been long gone; he said about twenty minutes; she was lamenting having to walk home to Redhills; he told her to go to the Post office and that she could get on the mail car, which leaves at half-past six, to within a mile and a half of her home; witness was sent to Cavan on business and didn't see her any more; they don't allow anyone to walk on the line, but it is impossible to keep them off.
John MAGUIRE (milesman) has charge of the first three miles of the line; he lives at Ballymacarne crossing, about a quarter of a mile from where the body was found; about half an hour before the last train came up from Clones he saw a female walking down the centre of the line from Cavan; he told her a train was coming up from Clones inside half an hour, and ordered her off the line; she went towards the gate and he went into his house; he cannot say whether she went off the line or not; he "warns off" every person he sees walking on the line.
Dr. MALCOMSON deposed that he examined the body of deceased, and found an extensive contused wound of the left arm, about two inches below the shoulder joint, almost severing the arm from the trunk; the wound was sufficient to cause death in a few moments; there were some contusions about her face and lip, which, he believes, were caused by falling on the stones; portion of a train or some other heavy body passing over a person would cause such injuries as she presented; she died from shock to the nervous system combined with hemorrhage. James TATE drove the engine on every train which passed ovedr the line between the time deceased was seen at the Railway Station and the finding of her body at Coolbuyogue; he did not see any signal or sign, hear any shout, see any person on the line, or feel any hitch or lurch. To Head-Constable STORY - We passed the place about 7:12 p.m.; it was then quite dark as there was a shower of snow coming on. To a Juror - It is not my duty to whistle when we are going near a curve.
Mr. ARAMSTRONG (solicitor) and Mr. ATWELL (station-master) offered to produce any servant of the company the coroner or jury might wish to examine. The enquiry closed, and after deliberating for about half an hour returned a verdict to the effect; "That deceased was killed by a railway train passing over her." Deceased was eldest daughter of Mr. John LEE, Lattaglohan, Stradone. Her remains were interred in Lavey burying ground on Sunday night.
A report from the Cavan Town Commissioners [1855 - 1900] (forrunners Cavan Urban District Council) archival papers included the following reference "minutes (5 January 1874) which record that the Town Clerk was instructed to write to "Mr Plews" traffic manager, Irish North Rail, to show the great benefit that would derive to the town of Butlersbridge, county Cavan, from having a station on the rail there". It seems that a definitive response was not received until 1877 as recorded in "minutes (3 September 1877) which state that a communication was read from the Manager, Great Northern Railway, in reply to a letter from Cavan Town Commission, that the Directors were of the opinion that there would not be sufficient traffic to justify the construction of a station at Butlersbridge".
Ref: http://www.cavancoco.ie/cccws/publish/general/documents/d102055071006.pdf
pages 13 and 14
The fact that Mr William Hague was chairman of the Cavan Town Commissioners was probably a factor in this endeavour.
In the 1930’s and 1940’s some of the locals who worked on the railway were Willie Leddy, who drove the rail buggy that brought the men to work, Phil McGowan, Tommy Brown also from the village, who with Paddy Smith from Keeney were plate layers i.e. checking the railway sleepers on the stretch from Cavan to Ballyhaise station; Harry McGuinness (Sadie McGowan’s father) was a train Guard with her brother, Hugh employed as a shunter and later as a Guard. Frank Gillan, from Tullybuck, was a ganger, whilst Paddy McPhillips, from Coolboyogue, was a track walker from his gatehouse to Cavan Town; his son, Paddy, was a train driver on the Cavan to Clones route and another son, Tom, also worked on the railway. Peter ‘Peeni’ Brady, from Plush, was another railway man from the area. There were three gatehouses close to the village; at Ballymacenroe, Coolboyogue and Keeney with the McGuinness, McPhillips and Smith families’ respective occupants. The McGuinness family of Ballymacenroe, as well as their gate duties, lit the oil lamp at the Dromkeen stop in winter-time. Sean and Dymph Brown later lived in this house. Sean worked with the Railway Company for some years and his father-in-law, James (known as Jemmie) McElroy was a signalman at Ballyhaise station.The arrival of this new form of transport revolutionised the economy and communications in the country. For the first time our people had easy and affordable access to the outside world.
However, its decline was hastened by the arrival of road transport i.e. the motor car and, of course, commercial vehicles which took away a great deal of the basic business that railway transport depended upon. So on 31st December 1959 the line closed and the tracks were dismantled by May / June 1961. According to P.J. O’Reilly, Auctioneer, Cavan, the railway track and sleepers were bought by the Quinn family of Pat Quinn (Quinnsworth fame) from Mohill who sold the materials to the Rhodesian (now Zimbabian) government in Africa.
This massive project was completed without the advantage of modern technology such as mechanical diggers, but using horses and carts and specially designed cranes, which employed pulleys, ropes and buckets. The work took five years to complete.
The first train left Cavan for Clones on Monday 7th April 1862 at 5 a.m. reference (“The Civic History of the Town of Cavan”, T. S. Smyth 1928, pp 123-124 and John Smith, Farnham Road, Cavan.) The route skirted the village, coming through Dromheen (i.e. Loreto College, where there was a halt beside the small hut for passengers, usually nuns, to board and dismount), Ballymacanroe, Rahultan, Coolboyogue, Derrygarra Upper and Derrygarra Lower, Innishbeg, Plush, Drumaharrid, Keeny and onwards to Ballyhaise Station. These trains were steam locomotives and carried not just passengers but mail, coal, milk, livestock, grain, etc. In daylight hours a white faced tail board attached to the last vehicle of the train indicated an ordinary occasion, a red faced board indicated a special train was following shortly, and a lighted tail lamp was exhibited from dusk, and during fog or snow conditions. This function was the responsibility of the train guard who always occupied the last van on a train. The signalman would be expected to report any irregularities. There was plenty of opportunity for work in the construction phase; later when the line was fully operational, a job on the railway was keenly sought after. The company provided full time, life time employment and wages were considered good at the time. Before a train would leave the station it had to wait the arrival of the oncoming train and take “the staff” from its driver so as to ensure that the line was clear for traffic.
Many tragedies occured in the completion and running of the railway as evidenced by the following reports in the Cavan Observer dated 5th October 1861.
http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1861/OCT.html
"FATAL ACCIDENT
We regret to be compelled to record another fatal accident on the works of the Cavan and Clones Railway. On Thursday evening a boy named Michael ALLEN was unyoking a horse from one of the waggons, when he slipped and fell. The waggon rolled over his body, inflicting terrible injuries upon the abdomen and thighs. He was brought into the County Infirmary about seven o'clock, but the injuries sustained by him precluded all chance of recovery. Deceased was a native of Butlersbridge (near which village the accident occurred), and was only about fifteen years of age. The body was removed to Butlersbridge on yesterday, for the purpose of having an inquest held upon it." The following report on the cornor's inquest appeared in the local paper refhttp://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1861/OCT.html
CORONER'S INQUEST
An inquest was held before Wm. POLLOCK, Esq., Coroner, on Saturday last, at the house of Mr. Hugh BRADY, publican, Butlersbridge, on the body of Michael ALLEN, who died at the County Infirmary, in consequence of injuries received by him whilst working on the Cavan and Clones line of railway near Butlersbridge. The jury were "hard to get and heavy to hold"--two or three of them appearing to think it too bad that they should be called upon to listen to or investigate any evidence concerning the death of their unfortunate young fellow-townsman. One juror, indeed, thought the investigation so unnecessary that he took advantage of a favourable opportunity, and walked away in the middle of evidence......When about to enter the room where the body of deceased lay coffined, the jury were confronted by his brother, who, armed with a pitchfork, swore that no one should enter the room, or touch the body of deceased. Remonstrances proving of no avail, he had to be forcibly disarmed and carried out of the house by the Constabulary...The deceased appeared to have been a fine young lad of about sixteen years of age....Some of the witnesses examined gave their evidence with great reluctance, because the Coroner refused to give them a day's wages each--one witness, a man name O'DONNELL, threatening to bring the Coroner before the "Bench of Crowns" unless his demand for payment were complied with!
RAILWAY ACCIDENT.
Elsewhere in our columns may be found an account of a lamentable accident which occurred on the railway line between Cavan and Clones on last Friday evening. We need not here repeat the circumstances; but we cannot refrain from stating that there is a universal feeling of deep and earnest sympathy with the parents and relatives of the decease. It must be some consolation to them in their bitter sorrow, to know that neighbours, friends, and acquaintances, of all creeds and classes, would willingly enlighten the burden of their affliction if that were possible. We have much satisfaction in mentioning that in this instance no blame can attach to the Railway Company or their officials. Mr. ARMSTRONG, solicitor, and Mr. ATWELL, station-master attended the inquest of Mrs. PRUNTY's remains; and offered, on behalf of the Railway Company, to produce any of their servants whose presence or testimony might be required by the Coroner or the jury. The evidence given does not impute blame to any one, nor excite suspicion against any one; and it is probable the accident would not have occurred but that the shadows of the evening were rendered denser and darker by the heavy showers of snow then falling.
At the same time we must take this opportunity of warning the public generally against the folly of walking on the Railway line. Those who do so violate the law, and are liable to be prosecuted and fined. The railway companies have adopted all necessary means to make this universally known; and we are persuaded there are very few who can plead ignorance of the law. If the matter could be confined within these limits, we should be quite content to leave it so; but there is the more serious consideration, that those who thus violate the law expose themselves to the danger of instant death. In many instances fatal accidents have resulted from this cause alone. We hope that those who have hitherto indulged the foolish and criminal practice of walking on the railway line will henceforth abandon it; otherwise, the Railway Company should vigorously enforce the law against all offenders without respect of persons.
A WOMAN KILLED ON THE RAILWAY NEAR BUTLERSBRIDGE.
About seven o'clock on last Friday evening, Mrs. Mary PRUNTY, wife of a farmer living near Redhills was killed by the up-train from Clones, while walking on the line on her way home from Cavan. The accident occurred at Coolbuyogue, about two miles from Cavan, where there is a sharp curve in a deep cutting. Mr. M'FADDEN, Coroner, opened the inquest at two o'clock on Saturday. A jury having been empannelled (sic). The first witness examined was Thomas BARTLY, who deposed that he is a milesman in the employment of "The Great Northern Railway;" early on Friday morning Joseph McCREERY, of Ballymacarne told him that while going along the line to a fair he saw a woman lying dead on the line at the entrance to Henry REILLY's cutting in Coolbuyogue; went to the place and found her lying about four feet from the rail on the left hand as you approach Cavan; found the half return ticket - Cavan to Redhills - (produced) in her glove and 16s. 6d. in her pocket; the police came up and they brought the remains to Mr. KENNY's barn in Rahulton; witness passed the place at six o'clock the previous evening and she was not there; believes she was killed by the seven o'clock up-train from Clones. As no person could identify the body, the inquest was adjourned until the following day. Sunday. The inquest was resumed to-day at 12 o'clock.
Mr. John Francis PRUNTY, Rathmulligan, Redhills, identified the body as that of his wife, Mary Prunty, aged about thirty-five; between two and three o'clock on Friday last deceased left his house alone for the purpose of traveling by rail from Redhills station to Cavan to consult Dr. MATHEWS about her health; he expected her to return by the rain leaving Cavan at 5:15 p.m.; she told him when going away that if Dr. Mathews would not be at home she would stop all night with her friend Mrs. CLERKIN; she had £1 going away; 16s. 6d. was found on her body; she was of strictly temperate habits; about three o'clock on yesterday he heard from a policeman that his wife had met with an accident; came over here and found that she had been killed; deceased left one child who will be six years old in May; doesn't believe she met with foul play; is of opinion he would be a trespasser if he were found walking on the line; but cannot say if deceased had the same knowledge; there is a "public pad" along the line for more than seven years; believes his wife met her death by a railway train passing over her; the half return ticket - Cavan to Redhills (produced) found on her would have been taken up at Redhills if she had traveled in the train all right to Redhills.
Constable DOLAN was on "train duty" that day; when returning to the barracks, after seeing the 5:15 p.m. train off to Clones, he met deceased at the Waterside; she asked him if the Clones train had gone, he said it had, and that there was no other train for Clones that night; she appeared disappointed and said, "My God, what will I do. Must I walk," and hurried off towards the railway station; she was perfectly sober. To a juror - I never saw her before. I saw her dead body and am sure she is the person. John BRADY (platform porter at Cavan) saw deceased standing on the platform after the departure of the 5:15 p.m. train for Clones; she asked him if it had been long gone; he said about twenty minutes; she was lamenting having to walk home to Redhills; he told her to go to the Post office and that she could get on the mail car, which leaves at half-past six, to within a mile and a half of her home; witness was sent to Cavan on business and didn't see her any more; they don't allow anyone to walk on the line, but it is impossible to keep them off.
John MAGUIRE (milesman) has charge of the first three miles of the line; he lives at Ballymacarne crossing, about a quarter of a mile from where the body was found; about half an hour before the last train came up from Clones he saw a female walking down the centre of the line from Cavan; he told her a train was coming up from Clones inside half an hour, and ordered her off the line; she went towards the gate and he went into his house; he cannot say whether she went off the line or not; he "warns off" every person he sees walking on the line.
Dr. MALCOMSON deposed that he examined the body of deceased, and found an extensive contused wound of the left arm, about two inches below the shoulder joint, almost severing the arm from the trunk; the wound was sufficient to cause death in a few moments; there were some contusions about her face and lip, which, he believes, were caused by falling on the stones; portion of a train or some other heavy body passing over a person would cause such injuries as she presented; she died from shock to the nervous system combined with hemorrhage. James TATE drove the engine on every train which passed ovedr the line between the time deceased was seen at the Railway Station and the finding of her body at Coolbuyogue; he did not see any signal or sign, hear any shout, see any person on the line, or feel any hitch or lurch. To Head-Constable STORY - We passed the place about 7:12 p.m.; it was then quite dark as there was a shower of snow coming on. To a Juror - It is not my duty to whistle when we are going near a curve.
Mr. ARAMSTRONG (solicitor) and Mr. ATWELL (station-master) offered to produce any servant of the company the coroner or jury might wish to examine. The enquiry closed, and after deliberating for about half an hour returned a verdict to the effect; "That deceased was killed by a railway train passing over her." Deceased was eldest daughter of Mr. John LEE, Lattaglohan, Stradone. Her remains were interred in Lavey burying ground on Sunday night.
A report from the Cavan Town Commissioners [1855 - 1900] (forrunners Cavan Urban District Council) archival papers included the following reference "minutes (5 January 1874) which record that the Town Clerk was instructed to write to "Mr Plews" traffic manager, Irish North Rail, to show the great benefit that would derive to the town of Butlersbridge, county Cavan, from having a station on the rail there". It seems that a definitive response was not received until 1877 as recorded in "minutes (3 September 1877) which state that a communication was read from the Manager, Great Northern Railway, in reply to a letter from Cavan Town Commission, that the Directors were of the opinion that there would not be sufficient traffic to justify the construction of a station at Butlersbridge".
Ref: http://www.cavancoco.ie/cccws/publish/general/documents/d102055071006.pdf
pages 13 and 14
The fact that Mr William Hague was chairman of the Cavan Town Commissioners was probably a factor in this endeavour.
In the 1930’s and 1940’s some of the locals who worked on the railway were Willie Leddy, who drove the rail buggy that brought the men to work, Phil McGowan, Tommy Brown also from the village, who with Paddy Smith from Keeney were plate layers i.e. checking the railway sleepers on the stretch from Cavan to Ballyhaise station; Harry McGuinness (Sadie McGowan’s father) was a train Guard with her brother, Hugh employed as a shunter and later as a Guard. Frank Gillan, from Tullybuck, was a ganger, whilst Paddy McPhillips, from Coolboyogue, was a track walker from his gatehouse to Cavan Town; his son, Paddy, was a train driver on the Cavan to Clones route and another son, Tom, also worked on the railway. Peter ‘Peeni’ Brady, from Plush, was another railway man from the area. There were three gatehouses close to the village; at Ballymacenroe, Coolboyogue and Keeney with the McGuinness, McPhillips and Smith families’ respective occupants. The McGuinness family of Ballymacenroe, as well as their gate duties, lit the oil lamp at the Dromkeen stop in winter-time. Sean and Dymph Brown later lived in this house. Sean worked with the Railway Company for some years and his father-in-law, James (known as Jemmie) McElroy was a signalman at Ballyhaise station.The arrival of this new form of transport revolutionised the economy and communications in the country. For the first time our people had easy and affordable access to the outside world.
However, its decline was hastened by the arrival of road transport i.e. the motor car and, of course, commercial vehicles which took away a great deal of the basic business that railway transport depended upon. So on 31st December 1959 the line closed and the tracks were dismantled by May / June 1961. According to P.J. O’Reilly, Auctioneer, Cavan, the railway track and sleepers were bought by the Quinn family of Pat Quinn (Quinnsworth fame) from Mohill who sold the materials to the Rhodesian (now Zimbabian) government in Africa.
