TRAINS, TURMOIL & IRISH PARTITION

The partition of Ireland 100 years ago in May 1921 was nobody’s first choice. Unionists had campaigned for the whole of Ireland to remain under British rule, while nationalists demanded independence. And partition was certainly not the first choice of the railways in general; the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) in particular. At a stroke, the GNR(I) found itself to be an international company, operating in two jurisdictions.

The Great Northern system criss-crossed the new frontier no fewer than 17 times, although six crossings were accounted for by the meandering Fermanagh-Monaghan boundary between Clones and Cavan.

While the route taken by the railway strayed in and out of the north, the stations on this section happened to be in the Irish Free State – astroke of luck for the GNR(I).

“Inevitably, the checks led to considerable delays and discomfort for passengers. At the post, passengers had to present parcels and suitcases for inspection. Goods