In pictures: Owencarrow Viaduct Disaster poignantly marked 100 years on

The Owencarrow Viaduct Disaster of 1925 was poignantly marked on its 100th anniversary. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

Remembering the Owencarrow train disaster on its 100 anniversary on Thursday. Photos: Danny Nee

Four people lost their lives and nine were injured in an accident on the Letterkenny and Burtonport Extension Railway during a gale of up to 120 m/ph last on January 30, 1925.

Those who were killed were Philip Boyle and his wife Sarah from Leabgarrow, Arranmore, who was the only one of the four who died in Letterkenny Hospital, with all others passing at the scene.

Neil Duggan was a widower from Meenabunone and left four children as he died just 200 metres from his home and Una Mulligan, 48, Falcarragh, who also had four children and had been seeing her daughter at Inch Island. 

The commemoration took place as glorious winter sunshine lit up the Owencarrow Valley at a newly cleared viewing area overlooking the famous structure that spans more than 400 metres. The work to extend the amenities expands on previous good work carried out by the late Ben McFadden and others in the Creeslough Community Association in 2021.

Relatives of all four presented a wreath and flowers - Kathy Doyle and Packie Duggan on behalf of Neil Duggan; Danny Boyle from Arranmore on behalf of Phil and Sarah Boyle and Jim Mulligan on behalf of Una Mulligan.

Gratitude was expressed for the late Ben McFadden, who passed away in 2022 and was one of the driving forces behind the plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the tragic event, along with the Creeslough Community Association, Donegal Local Development Company Community Hands Team along with other volunteers from the Owencarrow Viaduct Committee.

"This has been a huge community effort," the Chairman of the voluntary Owencarrow Viaduct Committee, Michael Doyle  - a great-grandson of Neil Duggan - said.

"Life is like a train journey, with stops, starts and destinations. Ben had a vision five or six years ago and was looking forward to the 100-year anniversary. He worked tirelessly with the Creeslough Community Association to put the memorial here."

"His vision was to create something significant to create something, by means of a pathway. There's been a lot of hard work and we joined with the Creeslough Community Association and [Creeslough Community Links manager] Majella, like her late father Ben, and Eamonn McFadden and Cathy Doyle. Landowner Joe Sweeney, Gerard Duffy for all his help, Ann Brady, who lives right beside the path, who has always given a smile and a cup of tea. Local representatives like Michael McClafferty and John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh made sure that Ben's vision was seen.

"Our next chapter is for people to come here and look at the view whilst having a picnic. We look forward to developing it further in the future so locals and visitors can enjoy the history and stunning views the area has to offer."

Fr John Joe Duffy, who lived at the end of the line at the Station House in Burtonport, led the prayers with Fr Martin Doohan, Brother Laurence Kettle and Rev George Irwin and said: "The walkway is the dream of the late Ben McFadden. Michael McClafferty and John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh have done Trojan work

"We remember the heroic efforts of those who were there on that fateful night, who did all they could to save lives. That's the main story I remember always thinking about from that night."