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Last Train From Cork
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19-09-2012 9:36pm#1
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I first met Joe back in the late 1970s when we both used to frequent the RPSI ‘two-day’ tours. It turned out that we had another connection as I worked with his brother Pat in Eason & Son Wholesale Books. Over the years we became firm friends and Joe was present for everything of railway (and family) significance that I was involved in, from the GSRPS (Mallow); the Narrow Gauge Trust at Cahir and latterly the C&L project at Domod. Joe photographed my Grandmother's funeral; my wedding and my children's christenings - God help us I thought he would be at my funeral!
One of nature's gentleman - like his brothers Pat & John - they broke the mould when the made the St.Legers. Joe had a mischievous sense of humour but never spoke ill of anybody and I doubt whether he will mind me now revealing that it was he who first coined the "chicken dinner" expression.
Joe was a mine of information on long closed lines, last trains, first trains and the permanent way – you just had to know how to draw it out of him. His photographic exploits are legendary and continued until shortly before his death. When most of us would be safely tucked up in bed Joe could be found photographing some obscure permanent way night time possession or bridge replacement in the middle of nowhere.
GSRPS workparty at Mallow Beet Factory 1988
Despite not having embraced the digital era, and using the most obsolete equipment, Joe continued to turn out the most interesting photographs. The ones accompanying this post were self-shot using his trusty tripod – held up with matchsticks . Many of Joe’s pictures are available online and it’s just a pity that a book solely containing his work wasn’t published during his lifetime – I often suggested it but the organization of such a project proved too much for all concerned.
Last of the E401 class at Mullingar Scrapyard - 1980s.
I was speaking to his brother John during the week and he was amazed, and delighted, when I told him of all the tributes being paid to Joe online http://irnirishrailwaynews.yuku.com/topic/2624/Re-Joe-St-Leger?page=-1#.UF2dfrJlRKQ and there's more to come.
I have many happy memories of trips with Joe on various weedspray trains and other adventures; of drink taken and stories told in a myriad of railway related pubs - including the "Handlebars" across the road from Cork station, the late lamented Cork station buffet; "The Nazi" in Mallow, "The Railway Bar" in Cahir, "The Bit & Bridle" at Limerick Junction and, of course, "The Railway Bar" in Lixnaw.
"The Railway Bar" Lixnaw - an oasis. 1989
Joe was not just a 'camera swinging' enthusiast and was more than willing to lend a hand with the physical work - when let! I can still remembering him appearing at Mallow back in 1985 on the morning of the "Sea Breezes Express" to Youghal with a needle and thread, and of him setting to work stitching upholstery on one of the carriages to be used on the special.
Another memory that stays with me was the day he was drowned by the weedspray train at Abbeydorney while filming from the lineside - still he had his mack on and most of his cameras were protected in the Roches Stores bags!
I'll miss the securely wrapped envelopes that would arrive from time to time - usually unrequested - which could contain photos of anything from some recent event to something from the 1950s. Joe never looked for payment or acknowledgement for his photographs and was the soul of generosity to all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
Caught red-handed late 1960s
I hope now that he has gone to a better place he will soon be renewing his acquaintances with his many railway pals gone before him such as Wally McGrath, Leo Delaney and Colm Creedon. Joe was my friend and I'm privileged to have known him - may the sod rest lightly on his gentle soul.0 -
Judgement Day wrote: »I first met Joe back in the late 1970s when we both used to frequent the RPSI ‘two-day’ tours. It turned out that we had another connection as I worked with his brother Pat in Eason & Son Wholesale Books. Over the years we became firm friends and Joe was present for everything of railway (and family) significance that I was involved in, from the GSRPS (Mallow); the Narrow Gauge Trust at Cahir and latterly the C&L project at Domod. Joe photographed my Grandmother's funeral; my wedding and my children's christenings - God help us I thought he would be at my funeral!
One of nature's gentleman - like his brothers Pat & John - they broke the mould when the made the St.Legers. Joe had a mischievous sense of humour but never spoke ill of anybody and I doubt whether he will mind me now revealing that it was he who first coined the "chicken dinner" expression.
Joe was a mine of information on long closed lines, last trains, first trains and the permanent way – you just had to know how to draw it out of him. His photographic exploits are legendary and continued until shortly before his death. When most of us would be safely tucked up in bed Joe could be found photographing some obscure permanent way night time possession or bridge replacement in the middle of nowhere.
GSRPS workparty at Mallow Beet Factory 1988
Despite not having embraced the digital era, and using the most obsolete equipment, Joe continued to turn out the most interesting photographs. The ones accompanying this post were self-shot using his trusty tripod – held up with matchsticks . Many of Joe’s pictures are available online and it’s just a pity that a book solely containing his work wasn’t published during his lifetime – I often suggested it but the organization of such a project proved too much for all concerned.
Last of the E401 class at Mullingar Scrapyard - 1980s.
I was speaking to his brother John during the week and he was amazed, and delighted, when I told him of all the tributes being paid to Joe online http://irnirishrailwaynews.yuku.com/topic/2624/Re-Joe-St-Leger?page=-1#.UF2dfrJlRKQ and there's more to come.
I have many happy memories of trips with Joe on various weedspray trains and other adventures; of drink taken and stories told in a myriad of railway related pubs - including the "Handlebars" across the road from Cork station, the late lamented Cork station buffet; "The Nazi" in Mallow, "The Railway Bar" in Cahir, "The Bit & Bridle" at Limerick Junction and, of course, "The Railway Bar" in Lixnaw.
"The Railway Bar" Lixnaw - an oasis. 1989
Joe was not just a 'camera swinging' enthusiast and was more than willing to lend a hand with the physical work - when let! I can still remembering him appearing at Mallow back in 1985 on the morning of the "Sea Breezes Express" to Youghal with a needle and thread, and of him setting to work stitching upholstery on one of the carriages to be used on the special.
Another memory that stays with me was the day he was drowned by the weedspray train at Abbeydorney while filming from the lineside - still he had his mack on and most of his cameras were protected in the Roches Stores bags!
I'll miss the securely wrapped envelopes that would arrive from time to time - usually unrequested - which could contain photos of anything from some recent event to something from the 1950s. Joe never looked for payment or acknowledgement for his photographs and was the soul of generosity to all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
Caught red-handed late 1960s
I hope now that he has gone to a better place he will soon be renewing his acquaintances with his many railway pals gone before him such as Wally McGrath, Leo Delaney and Colm Creedon. Joe was my friend and I'm privileged to have known him - may the sod rest lightly on his gentle soul.
JD,you are a humble man.
As always you tell it as it is.0 -
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