150th Anniversary of Rathkeale and Newcastle Junction Railway

On January 1st 1867 the railway line from Ballingrane to Newcastle West opened for business. The Great Southern Trail Greenway now passes by the Station houses at Rathkeale, Ardagh and Newcastle West. If you haven’t been along the Greenway make a New Year resolution to walk, jog or cycle the route. About 100 people did just that on the Annual Christmas event of 27th December and greatly enjoyed the experience.
Our picture shows Colin Boocock’s lovely photo of the morning passenger train to Limerick waiting at Newcastle West over 50 years ago. The railway man on the right is Tim Whelan (uncle of Newcastlewest publican, Pat Whelan). It is one of the many fine photos in “Rails through North Kerry” available at local bookshops and from Ann Lyons, Abbeyfeale.