All aboard: Greencastle tram driver on the right track for European title
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From Inishowen to Melbourne, as Ian’s remarkable tram-driving journey takes him to the world stage
An Inishowen man who has made Melbourne his home is preparing to take his place on the international stage after earning the chance to compete against some of the world’s top tram drivers.
Greencastle’s Ian Cavanagh has been living in Australia for more than a decade and has spent the past eight years behind the controller of Melbourne’s iconic tram network.
The son of the late Hubert and Bridie Cavanagh of Greencastle, Ian remains proudly connected to his Inishowen roots despite now calling Australia home.
The 46-year-old will travel to Warsaw, Poland, for the 12th annual European Tram Driver Championships on Saturday, September 19, where he will represent Australia alongside Melbourne tram-driving colleague Claudia Barrientos.
The pair will compete against 25 other teams representing 24 countries, with drivers tested on a range of skills including precision stopping, speed control and the unusual challenge of ‘tram bowling’.
After two rounds of competition, the team accumulating the highest score will be crowned champions.
For Ian, the event represents an opportunity to showcase the skills he has developed during his years working on Melbourne’s extensive tram system.
“I’m proud to represent Australia at the 2026 European Tram Driver Championships and have the chance to compete against the best tram drivers in Europe,” he said.
Melbourne’s Yarra Trams operates the largest tram network in the world, carrying more than 160 million passenger trips each year.
For Ian, however, driving the trams is about much more than simply getting passengers from A to B. He describes himself as having “the most iconic job in Melbourne” and particularly enjoys driving the historic W Class trams on the City Circle route.
Since the first cable tram travelled along Bourke Street in 1885, trams have become synonymous with Melbourne and an integral part of the city’s identity.
While Ian is proudly representing Australia in Poland, his Inishowen and Donegal roots remain close to his heart – when he pulls on the green and gold to represent Australia, he'll also be wearing the colours of his home county.
The European Tram Driver Championships will be livestreamed on YouTube, giving supporters at home an opportunity to cheer on Team Australia.