On Saturday, April 15, a special train organised by a volunteer group of rail enthusiasts called Táilte Tours will be stopping in Carrick-on-Suir. The Suir Lee Knot special is heading from Cork to Waterford, the first direct train between the two cities in many years. The train will arrive in Carrick-on-Suir station at 12.39, where passengers will disembark to view a vintage 1950s diesel locomotive, No 226, which has been restored to working order in the old goods shed by another voluntary organisation known as the Irish Traction Group.
Táilte Tours aims to raise funds and awareness for Ireland’s smaller railway heritage groups by organising rail tours and other railway-themed events throughout the country. The group is named after one of Ireland’s largest steam locomotives.
The train is worked by a Japanese-built 2600 class which is rarely seen on the Tipperary line. This will be the first time that the locomotive has been shown to the public since it was restored.
Trains and railways have a significant role in Ireland’s heritage and history. Ireland’s railway network reached its peak in the mid-20th century with more than 3,400km of track. However, the network was gradually scaled back over the years, especially in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Today, only a fraction of the former network remains in use.
The Irish Traction Group is one organisation working to restore and maintain old locomotives for public display and use. Founded in 1974, the group has worked on a range of diesel and electric locomotives, many of which have been bought from Irish Rail. The restoration of locomotives involves a significant amount of work, including removing rust, painting, repairing and replacing parts, and restoring mechanical and electrical components.
The Irish Traction Group has a wide range of locomotives in its collection, including some that are unique to Ireland. The group’s goal is to preserve and maintain these historical machines for future generations.
Rail enthusiasts have played a significant role in Ireland’s railway heritage. These volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve and maintain old locomotives, organise rail tours and events, and raise awareness about the importance of Irish railways. Many of Ireland’s railway museums, exhibitions and events are run by volunteers.
Rail enthusiasts have also pushed for the preservation of old rail lines and infrastructure. For instance, the West Clare Railway, which was shut down in 1961, has been partly restored and is now run by volunteers. The line is an important piece of Ireland’s railway history, and the efforts to restore and maintain it have been celebrated by rail enthusiasts across the country.
Ireland’s railway heritage is an important part of the country’s history and culture. Rail enthusiasts and volunteer groups have played a significant role in preserving this heritage and making it accessible to the public. The Suir Lee Knot special and the vintage locomotive No 226 are just some examples of the efforts being made to keep the railway heritage alive in Ireland.
