Problems buying rail tickets

MOH

Am I just unlucky, or has anyone else had problems buying rail tickets lately?
I don't mean the ticket machines, I mean dealing with staff at the counter. Particularly when asking for anything that's outside the norm. Every time since Christmas that I've dealt with somebody I've been given either incorrect information or the wrong ticket.

- Just before Christmas, asked at Killester for a ticket on the Sligo line from Maynooth. Was sold a ticket from Killester. Staff member was chatting on the phone the whole time I was dealing with him. Noticed on the way into town, went to the ticket desk at Connolly to try to change it. Was told they could do nothing - I'd either have to buy a new ticket and get a refund later (which I couldn't afford), or go back to Killester to get a refund (which would lead to me missing my train). Ended up using it and posting it off to IR, and eventually getting a refund for the difference.

- A month later, asked at Connolly on a Sunday morning for a Weekender, again from Maynooth. Was given a ticket from Connolly. Spotted this at the time - I was expecting it, given that the staff member spent the entire time 'serving' me in a conversation with a colleague about whether a second colleague was still drunk from the previous night. Was then issued correct ticket.

- Last week, tried to buy a Weekender at Killester station. Was initially told the tickets are discontinued - I had to explain to him that they're not issuing any new cards, but tickets are still available for those with exising cards.

- Patrick's day, gf asked for a return from Connolly to Maynooth, was sold a single. If she hadn't spotted it at the time and had it corrected, I'm sure they would have been quick enough to fine her for travelling without a ticket.

- Last week, gf asked at Connolly if it's possible to book online with a Weekender ticket. Was categorically told no. Rang me yesterday worried since all her friends have booked seats online for a forthcoming trip and train is filling up. Weekender is specifically listed as a valid option when booking online, I booked it no problem.

And I've had problems in the past with ticket checkers questioning a Weekender ticket because the ID number from my card wasn't on it. Then graciously 'letting me off' but warning me that I might have truoble on the return trip. How is it my fault if their staff are incompetent?

fh041205

Sounds like the lads/lassies at Killester aren't the easiest to deal with. Your lucky you know enough about the tickets to tell them when they've made a mistake. That kind of unprofessional behaviour really annoys me. The staff in booking offices shouldn't be making mistakes like that, and if they do they should be few and far between.