071s Claremorris : July 1991

A few scenes captured in Claremorris on Sundays in July 1991 featuring 071s operating Westport to Dublin Heuston services. Westport loco driver Paddy Cassidy is captured passing through with a up service before returning later that same evening. Known affectionately as ‘Cass’, Paddy is seen in conversation with Claremorris signalman Tommy Whelan. Paddy was a native of Tuam where he joined the steam loco depot in the late 1940s, before relocating to Westport where he retired in May 1992. He had the claim as being the last steam driver to be appointed by CIE before steam was replaced by diesel in 1963. A few weeks before his retirement in May 1992, he operated exDSER steam locomotive No.461 from Westport to Ballina as part of a steam rail tour. I had the privilege of having by first 071 cabride with Paddy that same summer. Tommy Whelan was an incredible role model as young lad - I learned so much about railways from Tommy. He retired from the railway in February 1994. The final scene captures Westport driver Phelim Lyons the following Sunday working the same roster. Phelim retired in July 2001. Phelim was appointed a driver in the 1960s following the end of steam. I had the privilege of having my first 201 cabride with Phelim in 1995. Rest in peace Paddy, Tommy and Phelim.