Iarnród Éireann together with Turtle Bunbury Histories and Flahavan’s has installed a beautifully illustrated panel at Limerick Station called, Past Tracks. Researched by Historian Turtle Bunbury and illustrated by renowned Artist, Derry Dillon, it tells fascinating stories about historical events that occurred in the vicinity of Limerick.
As rail customers wait for their train or wait to pick up a loved one, they can learn all about 15 year old heiress, Dorathea Maunsell, who in 1766 eloped with the famous Italian opera singer, Ferdinando Tenducci and the fact that the President of the French Third Republic from 1875 -1879 and first Duke of Magenta, Patrice MacMahon was the grandson of a Limerick Doctor as well as lots of other fascinating historical tales.
Historian Turtle Bunbury first approached Iarnród Éireann over a year ago with the idea of creating historic panels at stations around the country that could be enjoyed by members of the travelling public as they waited for their trains. Flahavan’s came on board as partners and ten Stations around the country now have Past Track panels, which feature quirky and accessible information about the areas surrounding the stations.
Speaking at the Launch, Historian Turtle Bunbury said: “In Ireland, we are surrounded by the past wherever we stand. Past Tracks is about taking some of the stories from our rich history and presenting them to commuters as something that will hopefully intrigue, amuse and maybe even inspire them as they proceed onwards with their journey”.
John Flahavan said: “We are delighted to be involved in bringing local history to life through the Past Tracks project with Iarnród Éireann as the rail network was integral to the brand’s expansion and success during the mid-20th Century. Flahavan’s has had a trusted place at Ireland’s breakfast tables for generations and our own history is interwoven with the history of our local area in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford where we’ve been milling oats for over 250 years. We are pleased to be associated with this initiative, as it presents local history in an engaging and meaningful way to passengers young and old across the country”.
Iarnród Éireann District Manager for the Limerick area, Noreen Clohessy said: “The Station here in Limerick is very much part of the local community and I am delighted that my customers have such interesting information to read, while the wait for their train. Too many of us now have our heads constantly stuck in phones or other devices and it is important to appreciate the world around us. We cannot move into the future if we do not appreciate that past and these little nuggets that Turtle Bunbury has created are living history”.
