The Owencarrow Viaduct disaster will be remembered during a special 100th anniversary commemoration near Creeslough, Co Donegal, this afternoon.
The rail tragedy on 30 January 1925 claimed the lives of four people and injured many more when a strong gale derailed two carriages on the train bound for Ailt an Chorráin in the west Donegal Gaeltacht.
This afternoon's commemoration will take place at a newly cleared viewing area overlooking the famous structure that spans more than 400 metres across the Owencarrow Valley in North Donegal.
The Owencarrow Viaduct along the Lough Swilly Railway was known as a remarkable feat of civil engineering and one of the "crown jewels" of the Irish narrow gauge rail system in Donegal.
After 8pm on 30 January 1925, the Derry to Ailt an Chorráin train departed Kilmacrenan Station.
There were 14 passengers and three crew on board, including the driver Bob McGuinness, fireman Con Hannigan, and guard Neil Boyle.
While the train travelled west during stormy weather, a ferocious gale derailed two carriages as the train crossed the viaduct. It is understood the viaduct's parapet also partially collapsed.
Three died at the scene and a further passenger passed away at Letterkenny hospital.
The four passengers who died were husband and wife, Philip and Sarah Boyle from Árainn Mhór, Neil Duggan from Meenabunone and Una Mulligan from An Fál Carrach.
One passenger escaped uninjured. Rescue efforts undertaken in poor weather conditions continued long into the night and the following morning. The tragedy made global headlines.
This afternoon’s commemorative event is organised by the voluntary Owencarrow Viaduct Committee in association with the Creeslough Community Association.
Over the past two years, the two community groups worked towards the 100th anniversary commemoration and expansion of facilities at the site.
The current work to extend the amenities expands on previous good work carried out by the late Ben McFadden and others in the Creeslough Community Association in 2021.
They created a commemorative memorial and a parking facility where locals and visitors alike can stop, view and learn about the Owencarrow Viaduct tragedy.
In recent months, voluntary work ensured a pathway was built to a new viewing point.
Chairman of the voluntary Owencarrow Viaduct Committee, Michael Doyle, a relation of those who perished in the tragedy 100 years ago, explained the project would not be possible without the support of local landowner Joe Sweeney among others.
Mr Doyle says the commemoration came about after great work was done by Ben McFadden, the Creeslough Community Association, Donegal Local Development Company Community Hands Team along with other volunteers.
"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 said.
Mr Doyle added that the community received strong support from local Councillors Michael McClafferty and John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh as well as others in the Glenties Municipal District and the Letterkenny/Milford Municipal District.
Cllr McClafferty and his sister Cathy McClafferty played a significant role in progressing the commemorative project. Their great grandfather, Neil Duggan, was among the deceased.
For many years now, Cllr McClafferty’s family has attended the site of the tragedy after 8pm on each anniversary to remember the lives that were lost.
He said it is important to remember those who died and were injured 100 years ago. Cllr McClafferty said they would like to extend this invite to relatives of those injured in the crash.
Creeslough Community Links Manager and former chairperson of the CCA, Majella McFadden, said it is important to mark this historic event. All are welcome.
A free shuttle bus service will operate from the carpark at the rear of St Michael's Church, Creelough from 11.15am returning to Creeslough Community Hub where refreshments will be served.
The commemoration will take place in the Creeslough Community Hub at 12pm in the event of unsuitable weather conditions.
