Issued on behalf of Lombardstown Community Council
The North Cork village of Lombardstown will commemorate the centenary of Lombardstown Railway Crash by unveiling a commemorative stone in the village. Lombardstown Community Council who commissioned the commemorative stone will also publish a book titled The History of Lombardstown Railway Station which provided 110 years loyal service to the local community.
On the 5th August, 1912, a special excursion train conveying approx 250 English holidaymakers back to the ferry in Dublin from Killarney crashed as it entered Lombardstown Railway Station. One man died as a result and over 90 people suffered injuries in the crash.
Local man Donie O Sullivan, who has a keen interest in local history compiled and researched the book The History of Lombardstown Railway Station. All the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Lombardstown Community Council to fund further enhancement works in the locality. Donie explains what happened on that faithful day. “The train was scheduled to pass the regular Mallow to Tralee passenger train at Lombardstown which left Mallow at about 8.30pm. As there was only one track, both trains were signaled to stop before entering the station for safety reasons. One train would be diverted into the siding at the station allowing for the other train to pass safely. The Mallow train arrived at about 8.45pm, ahead of the excursion train and it was duly brought to a halt at the home signal on the Mallow side of the station. The excursion train from Killarney approached the station shortly afterwards. However, it passed the distance signal, and then the home signal and was diverted into the siding on its left side without stopping. After the engine entered the siding, the train derailed ploughing into the railway embankment coming to a sudden, shuddering, stop”.
Most of the serious injuries occurred to the passengers in the first carriage where a number of people were trapped in the wreckage. As Lombardstown was sparsely populated at that time, local help was slow to arrive. About 90 people were injured in the crash and, incredibly, there was only the one fatality. A relief train carried the injured to both the North and South Infirmary Hospitals and Cork Corporation were also contacted and requested to mobilise all ambulances and to kit out some lorries to ferry the injured to hospital. Thirty passengers were admitted to hospital and seventeen were detained. A board of trade inquiry was held into the crash where the driver of the excursion train driver was found guilty of negligence and was formally charged with manslaughter; however, he was acquitted of the charge at a later date.
Jerry O’ Regan, Chairman of Lombardstown Community Council said “I would like to thank everybody who helped in anyway with this commemorative project and the publication of our book. The commemorative stone is an acknowledgement for the people involved in the crash and for their families and the local community. The book outlines the complete history and activities of the station from when it opened in 1853 right up to when it ceased operating as a station in 1963. It also incorporates the fatal crash of August 5th, 1912 with an array of photos of the station right up to the present day. I would encourage people to purchase the book and pass on this wonderful history of Lombardstown to our children so it will not be forgotten or lost. I also would particularly like to thank Cork County Council and Avondhu Blackwater Partnership for providing financial assistance and guidance throughout the development”.
Local Councillor John Paul O’ Shea (Ind) said “This is a very important day for the village of Lombardstown and for the people in surrounding communities. It is important we acknowledge and remember the tragic event that took place at Lombardstown Railway Station 100 years ago and commend all those who were involved in the recovery and care of all who were injured in the crash. This is the very first project Lombardstown Community Council has completed and the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the railway crash at Lombardstown has been a very poignant one for them”.
- The official unveiling of the Lombardstown Railway Crash Commemorative Stone will take place on Monday 6th August 2012 at 1.30pm. You are cordially invited to attend this event.
- Lombardstown Community Council would like guests to gather at Lombardstown Post Office at 1.15pm sharp as the road will be closed shortly afterwards to allow one of the commuter trains to stop at Lombardstown railway crossing to commemorative this historical event.
- The History of Lombardstown Railway Station will be available to purchase on the day of the commemoration. The book will also be available to purchase at Lombardstown Post Office.
The scene after the railway crash in Lombardstown in 1912
