Opinion

Preserving The Quiet Man's legacy

The Quiet Man is widely regarded as the most famous and best loved film ever set in Ireland, and, even though its main stars have passed away, it still captivates fans of all ages.

It would be an enormous pity if Ballyglunin railway station in Co Galway, where John Wayne arrived in the iconic opening scenes, could not be preserved both for posterity and in the interests of the tourist industry.

Present day Hollywood actor Liam Neeson, who was born in the year of the movie's release, 1952, has joined the campaign to preserve the building, after it emerged there is a serious danger that its roof will collapse.

Public donations to an online appeal can certainly help the project, but there is also a strong case for direct assistance from the Irish government.