The History Of The Cavan and Leitrim Railway In Brief

The Cavan & Leitrim Railway was one of the most fascinating and at one time busiest of Ireland's narrow-gauge railways. Through the accident of its serving a coal field it remained open many years after most of the other 3 ft gauge lines closed, and in its last days made use of engines and rolling stock sent from these other closed systems. But though the railway had a long career, the predominant theme throughout its life was struggle. In the early years directors faced hostile public opinion and struggle vainly to extend their line to the Arigna coal fields. When the extension was finally built - at a time when the political temperature in Ireland was rising, the initiative was taken by the Government. Changes in the constitution of the Board in 1904 led to friction and some decisions were taken on 'party lines', not always to the best advantage of the Cavan & Leitrim.

The story of the railway is also that of this little known part of Ireland and its people. Very human and fiercely devoted to the Cavan & Leitrim, they sometimes strained officials to breaking point, but the men's pride in their railway was a key factor after the Amalgamation of 1925. It was their devotion which enabled the line to cope successfully with coal traffic of often mammoth proportions in the latest years, long after the railway would have closed had it been dependant on local traffic.

The Cavan and Leitrim Railway, Patrick J. Flanagan