| Hello,
I managed to get to Cork for the re-opening of the Cork-Midleton commuter line!2601+02+05+16 operated the Ministerial Special leaving Cork at 12:15 calling at Glounthaune and Carrigtwohill on route to a jam packed Midleton station. On route to Midleton,witnessing the salutes as the train passed houses and bridges felt like something of a new life! At Carrigtwohill,Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey unveiled a plaque to the opening of a brand new station at the Carrigtwohill location!After a 5-10 minute pause,the train headed its way for Midleton,where the town came to show their appriaciation for the return of the service!A standing ovation of roughly 2500 people came out to welcome the train to the village!The first one in 25 years! The 4 car set returned to Cork at 13:18 and 30 minutes later the hybrid set 2716+2609 arrived on the first schedualed passenger train! Enjoy. |
The 4 piece 2600 approaches Cobh Junction on the 12:15 Ministerial special to Midleton. 3072x2304 2009-07-30 12:26:01 |
2601 class leader brings the set to a halt!Midleton,Mhainistir na Corann is displayed on the scroll! 3072x2304 2009-07-30 12:26:42 |
Noel Dempsey unveils the special plaque for the opening of Carrigtwohill Station. 3072x2304 2009-07-30 12:36:07 |
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2616 at the rear of the special train at Carrigtwohill. 3072x2304 2009-07-30 12:36:56 |
A close up view of the plaque! 3072x2304 2009-07-30 12:37:41 |
Driver Kieran Collins took the first booked train into Midleton.Beside him is his uncle,I believe,who took the last train out of Midleton before line closure!Both driver and ex Driver seem happy with the return of the service! 3072x2304 2009-07-30 12:50:29 |
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Crowds of people gathered for the first arrival of a train to Midleton in 21 years! 3072x2304 2009-07-30 12:57:30 |
2616 is seen at the rear of the 4 piece set,before departing for Cork a short while later. 3072x2304 2009-07-30 13:00:20 |
2601 departs Midleton for Cork on the first passenger train to leave Midleton. 3072x2304 2009-07-30 13:11:23 |
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Back at Kent Station,Cork,a station attendee waves off the 14:15 Cork-Midleton which was absolutely wedged,leaving the best of 20 or so passengers behind! 3072x2304 2009-07-30 14:11:09 |
