Sir, - I am writing to you to highlight the poor service on offer from Iarnrod Eireann last Sunday, All-Ireland Hurling Final day. The journey in the morning from Limerick Station to Heuston Station was hitch-free and at the end of a glorious day, when we from the Banner County were returning with both the minor and senior titles, spirits were high. However, our euphoria was soon dashed at Heuston as we arrived for the return journey back to Limerick via the 7.15 pm train. The scene that greeted us was disgraceful and dangerous.
Hundreds of people were queuing at various platforms for departing trains and there was absolutely no stewarding in evidence. Announcements about departures were constantly changing and confusion reigned. Suddenly, as the numbers grew, the queues began to merge and pushing began. There was no outlet for people as the entrances to the platforms had as yet not been opened. The situation was compounded by arriving trains from which people were exiting and their only way out was through the surging crowds. Many people were obviously distressed and tempers were flaring but the pushing continued unabated.
People tried to hold back the crowd to assist others but it proved difficult. I particularly noted the distress of an elderly nun who was trying with great difficulty to lead a little boy to safety.
Suddenly movement towards the platforms began as the entrances were opened and eventually the pressure was relieved. What followed was reminiscent of a Wild West scene, with people galloping towards trains, grappling for position on the platforms and jumping on moving trains arriving into the station. Eventually our train due to depart at 7.15 p.m. left Dublin at 8.00 pm, and I penned this letter with the support of my fellow passengers aboard the vehicle as we all witnessed a situation which could have had grave implications. Iarnrod Eireann affords us no choice and seems to dictate that on one of the busiest days of the year planning need not be done and that it is a "survival of the fittest service" or none at all. Through this letter I urge Iarnrod Eireann to heed my words or in the future there will be lessons learned the hard way.
I will think carefully before taking the train again on All-Ireland Sunday. After all, it is not as if Iarnrod Eireann was unaware of the numbers expected to travel. - Yours, etc.,
Sixmilebridge, Co Clare.