Saturday 2nd February
On a fr
osty evening fifty years ago the last regular passenger train wended its way through west Limerick and north Kerry as it made its final journey from Limerick to Tralee. All along the route people came out to bid farewell. It was Saturday 2nd February 1963.
Coincidentally in 2013 2nd February also falls on a Saturday and to commemorate the last train a walk will set out from Abbeyfeale station along the Great Southern Trail (GST) at 2.15pm this Saturday. The route to Duagh village is approximately four miles long, and as part of it is on the public road all participants are advised to wear visibility vests.
Refreshments will be provided at Jim’s Bar, Duagh and return transport to Abbeyfeale will be provided. Those travelling from the Tralee/Listowel direction may consider the 1pm bus from Tralee (1.30pm from Listowel) to Abbeyfeale; there is a return service to Listowel/Tralee at 4.45pm directly from Duagh.
Beidh fáilte romhat ar an lá! With Lá Fhéile Bríde welcoming springtime on the previous day it’s a good opportunity to take advantage of the lengthening days by getting out and about.
The old railway from Abbeyfeale to the Kerry border is now a magnificent cycleway thanks to the recent work of Limerick Co Co and their contractors and funded by the Department of Transport. A preliminary inspection of the first 2km in Kerry by GST and CIÉ personnel took place last week. Due to the difficult overgrown terrain which was encountered this portion of Saturday’s route is only suited to those with wellingtons, gloves, eye protection and working clothing. All other participants should exit onto the public road at the county boundary.