Source: Fas Teamwork Scheme (1990-1992)

Team Leader: Mrs. Marie Fahy

Scheme Sponsor; Athenry Project Society

Nora Byrne was born at the Railway gates at the station. She commenced work in 1940 and was trained to be a telegraphist. She then went to Mullingar for two years and returned to Athenry in 1945. She became a booking clerk in the ticket office and worked there from 1944 to 1973 from 7.15 a.m. – 5.50 p.m.  Athenry Station was at one stage an important junction – trains ran from Sligo to Limerick and from Galway to Dublin.

Fares and Immigrants

The train to Dublin from Athenry left at 7.25 in the morning and it took three and a half hours to go to Dublin. It was a very busy time as there were a lot of people leaving to go in search of work and a better future abroad. Friday was the busiest time of all for immigrants. Train fares were very cheap in those days. To go to London it would cost 57 shillings and 6 pence (old money)and a single to Manchester cost 52 shillings and 6 pence.

Excursions and Pilgrimages

To go to Dublin the excursion rates were 7 shillings and 6pence. Sunday was also a busy day and staff were brought in, especially for matches, and also when trains passed through Athenry to Knock from the South. There was no night work involved as such, except for pilgrimages Croagh Patrick, which meant that the staff had to be up at 5a.m.

Race Week

During the Galway races trains were laid on for the Wednesday and Thursday of race week. The station did give extra employment for young people, especially during the summer months.

Book Stand

Easons had a book stand at the station and it did very well. Kitty Fahy worked there.

Station Staff

In the good days there were about 13 men employed at the station, Some of these were:

Christy O’Grady (now retired). Matt Fitzpatrick (still employed). Mr. Doran (Station Master). Matt Loughnane (now retired). Mr. Loughnane (left and joined the F.C.A).   Some of the

Station Masters

From the 1940s onwards they were: Mr. McCarron, Mr. Whelehan,  Mr. Barry,  Mr. Doran, 

The Sligo to Limerick line was closed in the 1970s and since then Athenry has ceased to be an important railway junction.