A train versus a deer

Some kilometres north of Templemore the train slowed down. At that point on the track, Saturday's 18.20 ex Cork Dublin Heuston serivce should have been accelerating to top speed of 160 km/h.

But instead the driver had braked and powered down the locomotive. And some moments before that the loud cry of the train's sounding device could be heard.

The hooting horn had no effect and the deer was hit by the train.

The train picked up speed, stopped at its next scheduled stop, Portlaosie and then ran non-stop to Dublin. Arriving at Heuston approximatley eight minutes late.

Probably not a passenger on the train realised what had happened. And the sorrow and pain it must have been for the deer community near Templemore.

Locomotive drivers have a hard job.