Two historic steam locomotives with strong connections to Mallow are continuing to preserve the town’s railway heritage, with both engines now part of the collection at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway.
The remarkable stories of CSET No. 3 and GSWR No. 90 highlight Mallow’s important role in Ireland’s industrial and railway history, from the former Mallow Sugar Factory to the wider rail network that once connected communities across the country.
Built in Berlin by Orenstein & Koppel in 1935, CSET No. 3 was one of nine locomotives commissioned by the Irish Sugar Company, with three allocated to the Mallow factory.
The locomotive spent its entire working life in Mallow, where it was used to shunt wagons carrying sugar beet and processed sugar around the extensive factory site. After almost three decades of service, it was withdrawn from operation in 1962.
Following retirement, the locomotive was purchased by a preservation enthusiast who planned to move it to Britain. However, those plans were abandoned when it was discovered that the engine had been built to Ireland’s broader railway gauge, making it unsuitable for many British heritage railways.
After several years in storage, CSET No. 3 was acquired by the Downpatrick and County Down Railway in 1987 and underwent a major restoration programme. It returned to passenger service in 2000 and, following further restoration work, returned to operation again in December 2018.
The locomotive became a popular performer on the railway’s steam services and is currently awaiting its next scheduled boiler overhaul, a routine but essential process required for operating steam locomotives.
Another locomotive with a strong Mallow connection is GSWR No. 90, which is currently undergoing restoration at Downpatrick.
Built in 1875, No. 90 worked on Ireland’s railway network during the steam era and was involved in hauling sugar beet traffic. Following the closure of the Waterford–Mallow railway line, the locomotive was placed on public display in Mallow, where it remained for 16 years.
The historic engine was later moved into preservation and is now being restored at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway. Having reached almost 150 years of age, No. 90 is regarded as Ireland’s oldest steam locomotive with the potential to return to operational service.
The restoration project is expected to cost approximately €60,000, with a fundraising campaign planned to help bring the locomotive back to life.
Both locomotives serve as lasting reminders of Mallow’s industrial past and the important role the town played in Ireland’s railway and sugar industries.
While CSET No. 3 awaits its next return to steam and GSWR No. 90 continues its ambitious restoration journey, their stories ensure that Mallow’s railway heritage remains alive for future generations.
With thanks to Jonathan King of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway for providing information on these historic locomotives.