A special commemoration will take place this Thursday near the site of the tragic events of the Owencarrow Viaduct Disaster in Creeslough on the 100th anniversary of the crash that claimed four lives in 1925.
The commemoration will take place at a newly cleared viewing area overlooking the famous structure that spans over 400 metres across the Owencarrow river and valley.
It will get underway at 12 noon, weather permitting, where the lives of those lost and injured in one of the worst rail disasters of its time will be remembered.
The event is being organised by the voluntary Owencarrow Viaduct Committee working in association with the Creeslough Community Association.
They have been working towards the anniversary and expansion of facilities for the last two years.
The current work to extend the amenities at the area is built on the good work carried out by the late Ben McFadden and others in the CCA in 2021 when they created a wonderful memorial and parking area where locals and visitors alike can stop view the viaduct and learn more about it, including the tragic events of the stormy night of January 30th, 1925.
Viaduct volunteers Cllr Michael McClafferty, Majella McFadden CCA and Michael Doyle, Committee member.
In recent months voluntary work has been ongoing at the site to clear a pathway to a new viewing area next to the impressive structure that was built at the turn of the last century.
The work has been carried out with the generous support of local landowner, Joe Sweeney.
Chairman of the voluntary group, local man Michael Doyle, himself a relation of those who perished in the accident 100 years ago explains that the project would not be possible without the support of Joe and others who have played a role in commemorating the tragedy in recent years.
“The idea of this came about after the great work done by Ben McFadden, the CCA and the DLDC Community Hands Team, and other volunteers a few years ago to create the parking layby and monuments that still draw a large number of visitors to the location each year.
“I recall speaking with Ben at the time and we agreed that it would be great if we could create something to get people down much closer to the actual viaduct site itself and maybe create a museum exhibition near our family business at the Log Cabin. He was very supportive of this and I pledged that I would help try to make it happen by the time of the 100th anniversary.
The late Ben McFadden.
“Now the work to open up the area further is well advanced and we look forward to developing it further in the future so locals and visitors can enjoy the history and stunning views the area has to offer.”
He added that they have received great support from local area councillors Michael McClafferty and John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh and others in the Glenties Municipal District, as well as councillors of the Letterkenny/Milford Municipal District.
Michael, along with his sister Cathy who runs the nearby Log Cabin Car, have both played a significant role in driving the project, not only because of the grew up a short distance from the site, but one of the deceased, Neil Doogan of Meenbunone, was a relative of their family.
Michael said, just like Ben and the others involved in the previous memorial, it was important to remember all the dead and injured from that tragic night almost 100 years past.
His family have been attending the site just after 8pm on each anniversary for many years in a simple vigil to remember the lives lost in the crash that made headlines all over the world.
As well as Neil Doogan, the commemoration will remember the lives of Una Mulligan from Falcarragh and husband and wife Philip and Sarah Boyle from Arranmore island and it is anticipated relatives of all the deceased will be in attendance at the event on Thursday, January 30th next.
Michael added that they would like to extend this invite to relatives of those injured in the crash and they can get in touch via the Creeslough Community Association, or simply come along on the day.
The Viaduct pathway
As well as hearing more about that fateful night, guests at the commemoration can join in reflecting on the devastating loss felt across the locality and far beyond.
They will also hear more about the ongoing work to develop the location for future generations to enjoy.
Before the tragic event of a century ago, the Owencarrow Viaduct was already well-known as a remarkable feat of civil engineering and one of the “crown jewels” of the Irish narrow gauge rail system.
However, shortly at 8pm on that awful night, having left Kilmacrenan station with 14 passengers on board, as well as the driver, Bob McGuinness, and fireman, Con Hannigan, and guard Neil Boyle, the storm winds were roaring with gusts of up to 125mph.
It was one of these ferocious blasts that caught a passenger railcar and overturned it violently just as the train had almost made its crossing to the other side.
All but one of the passengers was injured having had a lucky escape of being thrown into the soft bog.
Sadly, many of those travelling that night were badly injured to varying degrees, including shock, and three died at the scene, with one passing away having been brought to hospital in Letterkenny. One of the drivers to rush to the scene that night was an 11-year-old boy who was the only one with the know-how to drive his parents car from a nearby hotel in Creeslough.
Rescue efforts continued long into the night and the following morning in poor weather conditions.
Creeslough Community Links Manager and former chairperson of the CCA, Majella McFadden, said it was important to mark this historic event and the community has strongly supported the project.
She explained that due to no parking being available at the location on the L1332 just off the Drimnaraw crossroads heading towards the Glenveagh/Termon road, a free shuttle bus service will operate from the carpark at the rear of St Michael’s Church from 11.15am on the morning of the event.
It will also bring people back to the village afterwards where refreshments will be served in the community hub on Creeslough’s main street.
In the event of bad weather the full commemoration will take place in the hub at 12 noon.
All are welcome.
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