Get on the track with new rail show at The Alley

STRABANE’S connection with the railways from bygone years is set to be revived and remembered next month as the popular over 50’s Music To Your Ears Group take to the stage with their new show.

‘On the Platform’ will tell the story of the railway in the town through song, music and storytelling, from its inception in 1847 until the eventual closure of the town’s railways on St Valerie’s Day 1965. The show will document the railway from its humble beginnings through to its sad demise.

Group members include people such as local singers Mickey Joe Harte, Terry McElhinney and Terry McCafferty.

Speaking this week, John McGinley lamented the loss of the railway which saw rail links from Strabane to all over Ireland.

He said, “It’s a sad thing that the railway in Strabane has died off with the rise of vehicles on the road. I personally remember the pleasure of taking many a train journey from places like here in Strabane or Derry in my younger days and it would be nice to see this mode of transport re-emerge. The long wait goes on for an adequate road to link up with the M1 at Dungannon and onwards to Belfast as well as the long-awaited A5 and, unfortunately, an even longer wait will ensue for the reinstatement of the rail link from Derry through Strabane and on to Portadown.

“The new show will give people the opportunity to relive their fond memories of the railway, reminiscing and enjoying some wonderful music performed by excellent musicians. Tickets are going fast so we would urge people to contact the Alley Theatre to secure their own to avoid disappointment. We are forever grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for once again giving us funding to make these shows possible over the past four years.”

l ‘On The Platform’ will
take place in the Alley Theatre on March 27 at 8pm and
tickets can be bought at the
Alley Theatre box office.