SIXTY years ago, an era shuddered to a permanent halt in Warrenpoint.On 2 January 1965, the last steam train to Newry departed the town’s station, bringing to an end more than a century of rail travel – the line had opened in 1849 – along Narrow Water and the Clanrye River.The occasion was detailed in the pages of the Mourne Observer later that week.
‘At 8.46am on Saturday morning last, Guard William Bodell waved his green flag, and after a long whistle and several detonator bangs, the last steam train, carrying over 50 passengers, pulled out of Warrenpoint station,’ the article began.
‘Thus ended a service, which was opened over 100 years ago by the Newry, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor Company, between Warrenpoint and Newry, and the Newry and Armagh Railway Company between Newry and Goraghwood.’
A reporter made the journey and described how they were ‘standing on the footplate of the Class C 0-6-0 engine, travelling at 40mph’, talking to the driver, William Russell of Newry, who said that he had been “driving for over 20 years” and that this was “one of the most sorrowful occasions of his life”.‘While travelling along the six-mile track to Newry, a large number of railway enthusiasts could be seen taking photographs and waving to the few who made the sentimental journey,’ the article continued.
‘On our arrival at Edward Street, Newry, a large crowd had gathered, and I was surprised to see so many passengers on the 8.55am diesel train to Belfast.
‘However, I was told that most passenger trains to Belfast and Portadown were fairly well patronised, and disappointment was expressed at the decision to close the line.
‘Before leaving, I asked one of the porters what he was going to do on Monday morning, and he replied, “There’s nothing for me but the dole”.’
Concluding on a bleak note, it stated that the closing of the line ‘comes as a severe blow to Newry’s hopes of further development, especially as it now seems almost certain that the frontier town is not to be the port serving the proposed new city (Craigavon)’.
‘Had this materialised, the future of the railway would have been assured, and, with both services operating, the town’s unemployment figure would have been greatly reduced,’ the article said.
‘Now it will be increased.’
