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One member of our community has a unusual connection with the Cavan and Leitrim Railway, his great grand-father R.H.Johnstone of Bawnboy House served on the board of directors from its inception until the company was amalgamated with the Great Southern Railway at the end of 1924.
Nigel Rofé is the local "expert" on railways, and in particular on the Cavan and Leitrim Line. As a young boy this enthusiasm for "playing trains" cost him some pain. One day around Easter time in  1956 or 57 Nigel went to Ballinamore as he often did, along the railway tracks to the railway yard "to see what was going on". When he found nothing of interest here he cycled on along the track, then the tramway to first Drumshambo then Arigna where the afternoon was spent at the rail head and mines.
The trouble was that his parents didn't know where he was, and at dusk they started getting worried.
Eventually at about nine o'clock, just before the Guards were called Nigel returned home to find a "hot" reception awaiting him by two very angry parents. By that time they were frantic with worry which became extreme anger on their son's return. A severe "rear end warming" was administered and Nigel was sent straight to bed, then confined to "home" for a week with no bicycle.
Thankfully, the experience didn't dampen his enthusiasm , He still has great interest, and a very impressive collection of memorabilia, which he has made available to this committee.

Oliver Brady  .

gateposts and water tanks, beautiful stone bridges and indeed the old iron bridge at Ballyconnell bore testament to their skills, The fact that the track ran through large tracts of marshland and today remains as solid as the first day is another example of what these men could do.

The railway played a large part in the local peoples lives. It was a focal point where people met. It was also at times a place of sadness, when many young people had to leave as emigrants, some never to return. It may have had its ups and downs but the generation who remember it regret it's passing.

However, all was not lost at Bawnboy Road with its closure; we are indebted to the Committee who procured the old building for the local community. It served us well and we can only hope that the new building will be of even greater benefit to future generations.

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