We’ve some more positive awards news to finish off 2025. The Heritage Railway Association has shortlisted us in not one, not two, but THREE categories in their 2026 awards.
Our railway we are particularly proud of being very much people-focussed. The locomotives and carriages are important, but the real success of DCDR is the people who work so hard to keep it going. So we are very glad to see that two of the shortlisted awards are in ‘people’ categories. These categories recognise individual achievement and contribution towards our railway.
Rising Star
Chris McCausland, has been shortlisted in the Rising Star category. This category is for people who are new to the heritage railway industry. The nomination comes as a result of Chris’ outstanding commitment as our railway’s Compliance Officer since taking on the role last year. Health and safety mightn’t be the most exciting job in the world, but it is the most important. Chris’ sterling work keeps our volunteers safe, our machinery compliant, and the railway open.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Next up is Shea McKee, shortlisted in the Lord Faulkner Young Volunteer of the Year award. Shea is the third DCDR volunteer to have been successfully shortlisted for this prestigious award. This is testament to railway’s success in attracting and nurturing young talent. Shea is especially deserving of this nomination. He has gone from trespassing teenager to champion of the Downpatrick community in just a few years thanks to his work at the railway.
Achievement of the Year
Finally, in the Achievement of the Year category, we have been shortlisted in a joint nomination with the Irish Traction Group for “Moyexit”. “Moyexit” is our name for our combined efforts to rescue four diesel locomotives from Moyasta, Co Clare. Our volunteer teams spent months at both Moyasta and Downpatrick preparing for and taking delivery of the locomotives. This was a true gauntlet of determination, perseverance, and cross-border and inter-organisation cooperation.
This is also a pleasant book-end to our 40th Anniversary Year celebrations. Our year began with our double win at the 2025 HRA Awards back in February. Fingers crossed now for March 2026! Congratulations to Shea and Chris, and to everybody involved in Moyexit, for making the shortlist; as well as all the other railways and tramways who are up for an award.
