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DEATHS, INJURY AND ESCAPE
The runaway carriages had gathered speed rapidly for the 1 ½ miles before the collision with the oncoming train and there was inevitably fright and pandemonium and eventually horror amongst the passengers. As the doors were locked, many children were saved by being thrown from the windows, which were too small for adults, who had therefore little chance for escape. The impact of the collision meant that some doors burst open and as a result some adults were able to throw themselves down the Killuney embankment on the right hand side of Portadown Road just outside the city boundary where the crash occurred.
Mrs Hamilton, the wife of an RIC Sergeant, claimed that she had thrown her own and other children to safety before jumping from an open door. Many others were not so fortunate and had no option but to resign themselves to a terrible fate. There was a horrific outcome that to this day is still virtually indescribable. Many died and many were injured. Surgeon-Major Lynn, the leading Methodist layman and one of the organisers, who had been travelling on the train, observed, “Many a bitter battlefield did not display such carnage.” This was a scene of utter devastation.
Help was summoned. The Army from Gough Barracks and the RIC quickly arrived to assist at the scene. Pieces of rail carriages and equipment were scattered around; the belongings of excursionists were strewn on the embankment – it was a place of carnage. People were dazed, parents were looking in desperation for their children, despair was prevalent, and in the midst of this chaotic adversity others were doing their best to help.
One witness, recounting his efforts to help amongst the wreckage, said he saw a dead child with little sisters standing nearby; he witnessed several bodies mangled beyond recognition and people walking around in a dazed state.
Another witness wrote that ‘the screams of the injured were heart-rending. I shall never forget the scene as long as I live’.
Surgeon-Major Lynn, Dr Palmer of the local infirmary and other local doctors worked with the injured. The Army brought ambulances and all kinds of conveyances were requisitioned to transfer the dead and injured. Some doctors came from Belfast and elsewhere to help as news of the scale of the tragedy spread. The Armagh Infirmary was extensively used to care for the injured.
In all 89 men, women and children died at the scene or from injuries sustained in the accident.
FATALITIES AND MOURNING
There were 89 fatalities. All denominations suffered – Church of Ireland (35), Presbyterian (19), Methodist (18), Roman Catholic (9) and others. Amongst the dead was the son of the Rev. William R McMullin, Minister of Abbey Street Methodist Church, who was attending the annual Methodist Conference in Cork. When he returned to Armagh, as well as the trauma of his son lying in a coffin in the Manse, he found that his Sunday School Superintendent, Samuel Steel, was dead and every member of the Abbey Street Church Choir either dead or injured. The loss included many young people - nineteen were under the age of 15, twenty-seven were between 15 and 20. The dead were from every walk of life and included several from the same family.
DEATHS, INJURY AND ESCAPE
The runaway carriages had gathered speed rapidly for the 1 ½ miles before the collision with the oncoming train and there was inevitably fright and pandemonium and eventually horror amongst the passengers. As the doors were locked, many children were saved by being thrown from the windows, which were too small for adults, who had therefore little chance for escape. The impact of the collision meant that some doors burst open and as a result some adults were able to throw themselves down the Killuney embankment on the right hand side of Portadown Road just outside the city boundary where the crash occurred.
Mrs Hamilton, the wife of an RIC Sergeant, claimed that she had thrown her own and other children to safety before jumping from an open door. Many others were not so fortunate and had no option but to resign themselves to a terrible fate. There was a horrific outcome that to this day is still virtually indescribable. Many died and many were injured. Surgeon-Major Lynn, the leading Methodist layman and one of the organisers, who had been travelling on the train, observed, “Many a bitter battlefield did not display such carnage.” This was a scene of utter devastation.
Help was summoned. The Army from Gough Barracks and the RIC quickly arrived to assist at the scene. Pieces of rail carriages and equipment were scattered around; the belongings of excursionists were strewn on the embankment – it was a place of carnage. People were dazed, parents were looking in desperation for their children, despair was prevalent, and in the midst of this chaotic adversity others were doing their best to help.
One witness, recounting his efforts to help amongst the wreckage, said he saw a dead child with little sisters standing nearby; he witnessed several bodies mangled beyond recognition and people walking around in a dazed state.
Another witness wrote that ‘the screams of the injured were heart-rending. I shall never forget the scene as long as I live’.
Surgeon-Major Lynn, Dr Palmer of the local infirmary and other local doctors worked with the injured. The Army brought ambulances and all kinds of conveyances were requisitioned to transfer the dead and injured. Some doctors came from Belfast and elsewhere to help as news of the scale of the tragedy spread. The Armagh Infirmary was extensively used to care for the injured.
In all 89 men, women and children died at the scene or from injuries sustained in the accident.
FATALITIES AND MOURNING
There were 89 fatalities. All denominations suffered – Church of Ireland (35), Presbyterian (19), Methodist (18), Roman Catholic (9) and others. Amongst the dead was the son of the Rev. William R McMullin, Minister of Abbey Street Methodist Church, who was attending the annual Methodist Conference in Cork. When he returned to Armagh, as well as the trauma of his son lying in a coffin in the Manse, he found that his Sunday School Superintendent, Samuel Steel, was dead and every member of the Abbey Street Church Choir either dead or injured. The loss included many young people - nineteen were under the age of 15, twenty-seven were between 15 and 20. The dead were from every walk of life and included several from the same family.
The next day the bells of the city Churches took turns to toll, businesses closed and the streets were deserted as the extent and pain of the tragedy bore down on the community. There followed a long succession of funerals with the last thirty-five victims buried on the Saturday. The scenes in the graveyards are recorded as heart-breaking with the Belfast Newsletter reporting:
“…especially when one hears the groans and sobs of not only women and children, but of strong men who have come to lay their nearest and dearest in their last resting place”.
The Armagh Rail Disaster had a known profound impact, not only within the city and district, but on the national stage as well. A special relief fund was quickly established to help the injured and bereaved. It was also this fund that helped establish a new ward in the Armagh infirmary as a memorial to the Armagh Rail Disaster.
Rev William R McMullin
Minister
Samuel Steel
Sunday School Superintendent
GNR officials were arrested and held in Armagh Gaol, and questioned by the RIC. Public Enquiries, Inquests and Trials took place and all recounted the stories of that fateful day.
Joseph Peel, as the coroner, conducted the Inquests. The Board of Trade produced a report and promised that it would bring in a Bill to improve rail safety. On August, 30th 1889 the Regulation of Railways Act came into force to ensure that such a catastrophe would not occur again.
Armagh families still recall through the generations the impact of the Rail Disaster. It is fitting that a Sculpture was unveiled on The Mall 125 years later to commemorate all those who died and were injured.
The 136th anniversary of Armagh's Railway disaster takes place next Thursday, 12th June.
This tragic loss of life is the worst rail disaster in Ireland's and Armagh's history, taking 89 lives and injuring hundreds.
ATG has performed our interpretation of the events of that day and its following Inquest in 'IMPACT', a two-act play
by Byddi Lee, Tim Hanna, and Malachi Kelly, directed by Margery Quinn.
You can still purchase a signed copy of 'IMPACT' in Macaries Newagents, Shambles; Armagh Co Museum, Mall ;
Navan Heritage Centre and Amazon Books.
We have sadly heard of the passing of Dudley Marjorum, a life long member and supporter of Armagh Theatre Group.
To his wife Margaret, children Claire , Edward and Philip we extend our deepest sympathy and to his wider family and friends.
Arrangements are:
Marjoram Armagh, Dudley 27th May 2025
peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of Margaret, loving father of Claire, Edward and Philip.
Dudley will be reposing at his home 42 Linsey’s Hill, Armagh BT61 9HD.
Thursday and Friday from 12noon to 9.00pm. Funeral on Saturday to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for 10.00am Mass, Burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Very deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, daughter, sons, grandchildren,
son in law, daughters in law, entire family circle and friends.
******************
Also this week we learn of the passing of Conor Greenan (Monaghan) a past member of the Armagh Theatre Group. A talented
photographer of our productions and of John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh. We extend our deepest sympathy to his
family in Monaghan and all his friends in Armagh , RIP.
The Library Tour :: Armagh, Northern Ireland
April 10 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
https://artsawonder.corkbots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LibraryTourPoster_Armagh_Web-212x300.jpeg 212w, https://artsawonder.corkbots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LibraryTourPoster_Armagh_Web-724x1024.jpeg 724w, https://artsawonder.corkbots.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LibraryTourPoster_Armagh_Web-768x1086.jpeg 768w" alt="" width="1061" height="1500" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border-style: none; height: auto; max-width: 100%; display: block;" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />The Artsawonder charity is pioneering a new series of events in libraries specifically aimed at engaging the public in a discussion around the healing power of music. These events are funded by the charity’s Artsahealing division championed by Dr Bruce Victor and Bróna McVittie. Entry to the events is free of charge, but prior registration is advised as space is limited. Everyone is welcome and will be encouraged to share their stories.
ATG have organised an open play reading for Monday 10th 7pm in Abbey Lane Theatre Armagh.
'The Last Quiz Night on Earth' a play by Alison Carr a comedy with a difference. Direction by Adam Trotter
who intend to stage in May with a 4 night run.
Interested? Come along next Monday for the reading and grab yourself a chance of perform on stage under lights in a very funny play.
Monday 10th 7pm in Abbey Lane Theatre Armagh BT61 7DW.
To read more stories like Joseph's .....buy this month's Ireland's Own and come to our Open Mic last Friday every month. Where a stage waits
for you as a first step in an artistic future.
Some images from rehearsals and performances 'Christmas Lights A bah humbug Christmas'
All of us at ATG appreciate your continuing support to what we are doing at Abbey Lane Theatre and look forward to
2025 with exciting new writing and productions to entertain and delight.
Next in the new year our popular Open Mic back again on 31st Janurary with guests 'Paul Hughes Family Music' trad group
followed in February with 10 original Mini Plays in Abbey Lane. Another eagerly awaited set of productions featuring new writers
directors and actors taking the opportunity to see their writing on stage.
Best wishes to all our supporters for this festive season and New Year.