train, carrying many track workers, crashed into an empty cattle train, killing six people. Aftermath Great Southern Railways An Act passed by the Dáil Éireann in 1924 merged the GS&WR with the Midland Great Western Railway, the Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway and most other railways wholly within the Irish Free State to form the Great Southern Railway. In January 1925 the GSR merged with the Dublin and South Eastern Railway to form the Great Southern Railways. Cross-border railways were excluded from the mergers. Córas Iompair Éireann In 1945 further amalgamation with the Grand Canal Company and the Dublin United Tramway Company created Córas Iompair Éireann ("Irish State Transport Company"). CIÉ was nationalised in 1950, but was divided into separate rail and road companies in 1987. Since then, the railways have been operated by Iarnród Éireann ("Irish Rail"). GS&WR routes today GS&WR routes remain some of the most heavily used in Ireland, linking Dublin with Limerick, Cork, and Waterford. The coats of arms of these cities still adorn the facade of Heuston Station. See also History of rail transport in Ireland Iarnród Éireann Rail transport in Ireland Notes References Sources and further reading Defunct railway companies of Ireland Irish gauge railways Railway companies disestablished in 1924 Railway companies established in 1844