THE 2010 season of the heritage railway in the grounds of Stradbally Hall, begins on Easter Sunday and run again on Monday April 4 and 5.

The Irish Steam Train Preservation Society says the 1949 steam locomotive returned to service last year with a new boiler and is due to be in service on both days. passengers are brought on the short run on the mini train through some of the woodland which surrounds the estate.

The two veteran diesel locomotives will also be on display. The engines date from 1936 to 1952 and the later will be on standby to take over if their are any problems with the steam train.

While all involved are delighted to get underway this year especially following ongoing upgrade of the line, a big part of the steam rally team will be missing this year. Richard Condell, of the Dublin Road, Portlaoise, passed away in recent weeks. He worked as a volunteer on the line for many years where he helped maintain the track and worked on the engine when it was open to the public.

The entrance to the line is located at Main St, Stradbally but their will be signs up in the village for first time visitors. Trains will run from 2.30 pm until 4.45 pm each day. Weather permitting there will be musical entertainment from a German busker organ.