A total of 125 station-masters co-ordinate the activities of each of the stations. The jobs involves the recruitment and motivation of local staff, overseeing ticket services, providing customer information, handling difficulties or complaints and ensuring work practices are safe.

Station-masters need to have a comprehensive knowledge of rail operation as well as the ability to relate to customers and staff. The career path of Margaret Larkin, who has been station master at Athlone for the past seven years, is fairly typical.

After the Leaving Cert, she began work with Iarnrod Eireann as a clerical assistant. From general clerical work at Roscommon station, she was promoted to a booking office position in Athlone. After two further promotions she was on her way to her present role which she clearly enjoys.