Galway engagement for Quiet Man – and his soon-to-be wife!

When Sean Thornton won the hand of Mary Kate Danagher, it was following the famous fight at Ballyglunin Railway Station.

Nearly 60 years on, a couple from County Down have pledged their marriage vows to each other at the very same station – simply because they are huge fans of The Quiet Man.

Last weekend the couple came from County Down and walked along the railway tracks as a proposal of marriage was made.

In fact the Ballyglunin Railway Restoration Committee made it an even more special occasion for the couple as they turned out in force to witness the engagement taking place.

It was described as a new journey at the railway station as Stephen Ormes went down on bended knee to girlfriend Mary Murray and fortunately for him she accepted.

Both Stephen and Mary are, despite their young age, huge fans of The Quiet Man, part of which was filmed at Ballyglunin Railway Station.

It featured in the famous fight involving John Wayne and Victor McLaglen which was filmed in Ballyglunin in 1952. It is one of the great epics.

There are various efforts being made to restore the old railway station in Ballyglunin. Some believe that the track should be used as a walking and cycling greenway.

But the arrival of Stephen and Mary from County Down certainly added a novelty aspect to the redevelopment of the railway station. It is a project that has received considerable funding.

Last year Stephen made contact with the Ballyglunin Railway Restoration Project and spoke to them about his intentions. They plan to marry this year.

See full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.