The Late Frank Naughton The Late Frank Naughton, who passed away in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe was a former station master at Ballinasloe railway station. His passing came after a long illness and marked the end of an era in which the deceased had worked over forty one years with Iarnroid Eireann, at different stations in the west. Frank was originally from Mackney, on the outskirts of the town and was in his late sixties. He often walked the two miles to and from St. Grellan's National School each day before going on to St. Joseph's College, Garbally Park, for his secondary education. Among his classmates were the present Bishop of Clonfert, John Kirby, who presided at his funeral Mass and spoke highly of his classmate; former international rugby captain Ray McLoughlin and the Parish Priest of Lawerencetown and KIltormer, Fr. Christy O'Beirne. Following his Leaving Cert the late Frank Naughton joined Iarnroid Eireann (or CIE as it was known then), and got his first job as goods clerk in Tuam in 1957. Five years later he was moved to the Galway Station and subsequently to the Ballinasloe Station as chief clerk. In 1978 he was promoted to Station Manager, a position he held for twenty years, up to his retirement in 1998, sometimes helping out in the Athlone Station as well. A life-time pioneer, Frank was a committed family man. He loved his gardening and prided himself as a DIY enthusiast. He was a member of the local Bridge Club and during his year's on the golf course won the President's Prize in the late 1980's. He became actively involved in the GAA in Ballinasloe at under-age level where he often coached budding hurlers as well as transporting them to and from games. He was also a member of the Duggan Park Development Committee and gave of his time freely in the promotion of our national games. As his remains reposed at the family home in Sarsfield Drive, many of his former workmates and colleagues from many parts of the country came to pay their respects. There was a huge attendance at his funeral mass and burial in Creagh Cemetery, testimony to the popularity of a public official that had served his community and to a loving husband, father and grandfather who always put his family first, even in his darkest hours. The late Frank Naughton is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Mary (Ballinasloe), sons Paul (Portlaoise) and Barry (Donegal), daughters-in-law Patricia and Andrea, grandchildren Odhran, Bebhinn, Bryan, Eoin and Kara; brother Sean, sisters-in-law Mona and Agnes, nephews, nieces and many other relatives and friends. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 21 August 2007 Tweet

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