THE future of a famous Co Galway railway station, which featured in the 1952 classic movie The Quiet Man, has been secured after a successful crowd-funding campaign.
Ballyglunin station, which featured in the opening scenes of the John Wayne movie, had fallen into a state of disrepair, prompting fears the roof would collapse.
In recent weeks,The Ballyglunin Community Development Charity, which leases the station from Iarnrod Eireann, launched a campaign a to raise €30,000 for a new roof.
Hollywood star Liam Neeson was among the famous faces who supported the campaign.
The charity this week revealed that it had met its target.
On its website, the community group said: "From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank everyone who has supported our international crowd-funding campaign to save the roof on The Quiet Man train station.
"We are overwhelmed by the global response to our appeal. We have successfully raised over €30,000 to restore the roof on the train station. Our aim is to complete the necessary conservation work on the roof of the station before then end of summer."
The group also revealed that it would continue to fundraise.
"Due to the high costs involved in the restoration of protected structures, the Ballyglunin Community Development charity continues to fundraise so that we can restore the remainder of the building.
"All funds raised go directly into the restoration."
It is understood long-term plans may include preserving the station as a heritage centre and an arts centre.
