Ballaghaderreen

Ballaghaderreen, Co.Roscommon, is the terminus of the former branch line from Kilfree Junction on the Midland Great Western's Dublin to Sligo line. The branch opened in 1874 and had two intermediate stations at Edmondstown and Island Road. Goods on the branch were mainly agricultural, cattle was important traffic on the MGWR lines, and it had just three passenger trains a day. The branch closed completely on the 4th February 1963.
The unusual station building at Ballaghaderreen, built with rough stone, remains though very derelict. Part of the platform survives also ,complete with name board posts. The goods shed, used by the GAA remains complete with its typical long cattle bank platform. The water tower and single road engine shed however have been demolished, a health centre now stands on their site. The terminus was unusual also for not having a signal cabin; the instruments were housed in the station building.
The interior of Ballaghaderreen Station continues to decay, now used as the local drinking den. A 'classic' view of Ballaghaderreen Station, now looking very sorry for itself. The branch from Kilfree Junction on the main Sligo line closed in February 1963. In happier times, 121 Class locomotive No.B132 has just arrived at Ballaghaderreen Station with a special from Kilfree Junction in 1961. ©J.E.Aitken The more usual motive power on the Ballaghaderreen branch was ex Midland Great Western G2 Class 2-4-0 No.653 which has just arrived from Kilfree with a mixed branch service in 1961. ©John Camp
Ballaghaderreen Station is in disrepair, as can be seen from its deteriorating roof. The platform still survives, overgrown at this end of the station. The platform at the Kilfree end of Ballaghaderreen Station remains preserved. The terminus did not pocess a signal cabin, the levers and associated signalling equipment was housed in the station building. Ballaghaderreen Station, as viewed from the station forecourt, beyond the building is the goods yard. The stone built structure was unlike any other to be found at the terminus of Midland Great Western branch lines. On the platform at Ballaghaderreen Station, looking east towards Kilfree. A roadway has been built across the former trackbed since closure in 1963.
I wonder who has the one time heavy Great Southern Railway style Ballaghaderreen bilingual nameboard. As you can see the two concrete supporting posts still remain on the platform. Looking back towards the station yard at Ballaghaderreen. The cream painted structure in the background is the former goods shed. Viewed from the derelict cattle loading bank, this was once the goods yard at Ballaghaderreen Station. This is the goods shed at Ballaghaderreen Station, quite a substantial one for the branch terminus. It is now used by the local GAA team.
This is an access road from the west end of the station that leads onto the cattle bank. The goods shed is on the left, with the station in the distance. Note the old rails now used as fencing. This access road leading into the former goods yard at Ballaghaderreen Station. As can be seen it is quite overgrown. This is the site of the water tower and engine shed at Ballaghaderreen Station. Today a health centre has been built on the site of the former shed. The engine shed, water tower and turntable at Ballaghaderren, as they were in 1961. The cattle bank can be seen to the right of the picture. ©John Camp
This end of the cattle bank at Ballaghaderreen has been preserved by the health centre, which is built on the site of the engine shed and water tower.