Campaigners appeal for funds to save iconic Galway train station made famous by John Wayne’s movie The Quiet Man
A target of €30,000 was set on crowdfunding website to repair the building’s roof, which is on the verge of falling in
CAMPAIGNERS appealing for funds to save the iconic train station from The Quiet Man say they now have just 10 days left to raise €12,000.
Locals near the Ballyglunin station in Galway have set a €30,000 target on a crowdfunding website to repair the building’s roof, which is on the verge of falling in.
However, they have so far gathered just over €18,000 of that and fear they may not get over the line.
Under crowdfunding rules, unless the entire target is reached, all the money pledged is returned to donors.
The drive has so far gained the support of Hollywood star Liam Neeson and Sawdoctors frontman Leo Moran.
Campaign member Mike Flannery said they are now hoping a last ditch surge will allow them to land all of the cash.
He told the Irish Sun: “People don’t realise just how important this building is.
“It’s been seen by millions of people down through the years in The Quiet Man and was the scene for the dramatic walk John Wayne took with Maureen O’Hara to the greatest fight in movie history.
“The campaign represents the last ditch attempt at saving the building, which will certainly have to be knocked down if it’s not repaired urgently.
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“The roof is on the verge of collapsing, from a health and safety point of view it’s becoming dangerous to the public.
“Yet this has the potential to be a major attraction for tourists visiting here who are fans of The Quiet Man.
“The fact that we haven’t received the help from tourism agencies and Government backing is a real shame, especially as this would generate jobs and tourism attraction to a part of Galway that doesn’t usually get this attention.
“It could bring huge amounts of revenue, provide employment and provide a community centre where people can meet for a chat and coffee.
“It’s such a paltry amount of money in the overall scheme of things, it’s ludicrous that we have to fight so hard for it.
“But people are really determined to do this, we just need the public and The Quiet Man fans out there to dig deep to ensure this chance doesn’t slip away.”
To contribute please visit https://fundit.ie/project/save-the-quiet-man-train-station