Irish Rail reverses decision and launches additional Mayo train for All-Ireland Quarter-Final
Irish Rail has confirmed that tickets for these services will be available to book later this afternoon on its website.
Irish Rail has today confirmed to Ballina-based Senator Mark Duffy that it has reversed its earlier decision and will now operate a special train service from Mayo for supporters travelling to Saturday’s All-Ireland quarter-final clash with Cork.
The additional service will depart Westport at 9:15 am and travel to Heuston Station, Dublin. A return service will leave Heuston at 9:10 pm.
Due to scheduling, Ballina and Foxford passengers will have to travel via Castlebar or Claremorris with a direct train back on the return leg.
The Fine Gael Senator had previously described it as unfair that supporters from Louth, Kerry and Cork were being provided with special train services, while Mayo fans were left without a similar option.
He thanked local Irish Rail staff for their efforts in making the service possible at short notice, acknowledging their willingness to work this Saturday to accommodate supporters travelling to the match.
Senator Duffy also stated that, due to capacity limitations on the Ballina line, it was regrettably not possible for the special train to serve Foxford and Ballina directly.
In a statement, Irish Rail said:
“It is a busy time for scheduled evening Intercity services across the network, which – by our Public Service Contract with the NTA – we must ensure are covered in the first instance (including having trains in place for Sunday morning services), and any extra trains are then be determined by available fleet, drivers and infrastructure capacity”.
Additionally, they stated that the moment they have extra trains for a specific route, they confirm them; they don’t wait til all routes are confirmed.
The special services operating for Mayo supporters this Saturday are:
• 9:15 am Westport to Heuston, serving Castlebar, Claremorris and Ballyhaunis.
• 9:10 pm Heuston to Westport, serving Ballyhaunis, Claremorris and Castlebar, with a connection at Manulla Junction for Ballina passengers.
In addition, passengers travelling to Ballina can avail of a connection at Manulla Junction from the 7:35 pm Heuston to Westport service (via Athlone).
Irish Rail has confirmed that tickets for these services will be available to book later this afternoon on its website.