A piece of a train that crashed near Creeslough almost a century ago will form part of a memorial to those killed.

A commemorative stone is to be unveiled tomorrow (Wednesday) at the site of the Owencarrow viaduct where on January 30, 1925 high winds derailed two of the rail coaches.

Four people were thrown to their deaths when part of the viaduct collapsed. Of the 14 passengers on board the locomotive, only one escaped unhurt.

Behind plans to formally commemorate what was the worst accident in the history of the Lough Swilly Railway is Creeslough Community Association.

Its chairperson Ben McFadden said the idea of a memorial plaque has been under discussion for years.

“It was something that has always been talked about, going right back to when I was a schoolboy. We used to cross the railway lines and we always knew and understood what had happened.

“About ten years ago I spoke to Joe Sweeney about the possibility of putting a memorial on his land and he said to go ahead. I also wrote a song about Owencarrow which was recorded by Eilish McBride.

“So it has been a big part of my life for a long time and I thought last year with the pandemic that if we don’t do it now it might never happen.”

After getting the go ahead for a second time from Mr Sweeney, an approach was made to local man Eddie McBride about a suitable stone.

“I picked one I thought was appropriate and when we put it on the plinth it actually resembles a locomotive,”  said Ben.

Up to 60 businesses and individuals came forward to provide sponsorship for the project. Their donations allowed the clearing of rock, bog and bush and in their place will go two plaques – one in Irish and one in English. Also set to be added is part of the actual train itself.

“A local lady, Ann Brady, has donated the step belonging to the carriage that tumbled over. It has been at her house for 40 years after Paddy Brady took it from the crash site. The step is over 100-years-old and it is going on its own concrete base.”

Separately a documentary is being put together to mark the centenary of the rail disaster in four years time. With discussions ongoing around how to mark the 100th anniversary Councillor John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh has suggested that a bridge-type structure be put in place.

He said it would work well as a tourist attraction as well as bringing what happened at Owencarrow to a much wider audience.

Wednesday’s stone unveiling takes place at 12.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

Creeslough Community Association has compiled a booklet to accompany the unveiling, outlining exactly what happened 96 years ago.

Ben McFadden added, “I want to thank all the community association for their support with particular mention to Michael Harkin who has helped throughout the whole thing.

“Also Shaun Langan of Creeslough Pallets for transporting the memorial stone to Dungloe for engraving.”