Convoy's iconic landmark unveiled at a special ceremony

A unique and impressive mural in the centre of Convoy village will serve as a reminder of the history and close association it had with the era of the railways in Donegal.

Crowds gathered on Main Street on Saturday morning to witness the unveiling of the mural which depicts the former local railway station and a train arriving at it. The occasion was not only an impressive community gathering but also served to remind young and old of the importance of preserving their local history.

MC for the occasion was Liam Mailey from the Convoy Community Environmental Committee. He welcomed the large turnout and paid tribute to everyone who had any part in helping to make their unveiling of the mural a reality.

Members of the Convoy Community Environmental Committee with Kerry Doherty at Saturday morning's unveiling ceremony

He paid tribute to the hard-working committee behind the project, John Moore from the local post office for allowing the mural to be painted on his building, the members of the Donegal Railway Society and other railway societies for their support and particularly local railway enthusiasts, Seamus O'Donnell and Ken Ewing.

He also thanked Donegal County Council who provided funding for their project through its tourism grant and singled out staff members Margaret Sweeney and Marion Callaghan for their time, consideration, patience and support throughout the process.

Mr Mailey had a special word of thanks for local artist, Marty McDaid. He called his depiction of the Convoy Railway Station "exceptional" adding the town was lucky to have such a talent to call upon for a job like this.

He outlined a short history of the railway and the many advantages it presented for the village and for businesses such as Convoy Woolen Mills and Morris Brothers. He said it was important to remember the past and how the era of the train and the station enriched the community. He also felt it was important that the youth of today realised the connection and cherished it going into the future.

Guest of honour at the unveiling was local woman Sally Bonner. Mr Mailey outlined her connection with the train saying not only had she been one of the passengers on the Convoy Woolen Mill staff excursion to Portrush back in 1948 but also travelled on the very last journey out of the village to Letterkenny on December 31, 1959.

"The railway was great, we were able to go to places like Letterkenny and Strabane," she said. 

Local railway historian Kerry Doherty unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event and offered those present a detailed insight into the history of this particular line into Convoy and how it impacted not only the rail network but on the lives of everyone connected to it.

Those present retired to the Black Memorial Hall after the ceremony to examine a number of artefacts and photographs on display and enjoy refreshments provided.