SOCIETY MATTERS

No. 10

February 2009

Journal 168

We are pleased to be able to provide members with the February 2009 issue of the Journal within the month of February.  We are confident that members will enjoy the present offering, with a mix of old and new, and a generous serving of pictures.

Part 2 of John O’Meara’s “Horseleap Branch” completes our visit to that almost forgotten byway, and John’s memories and account are complimented by a selection of pictures from the collection of our late member J.P. “Jim” O’Dea, reproduced by courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.  A log of the Society’s tour of 18 March 1963 gives a flavour of outings in the old days, in particular the difficulties in abiding by the schedule, although our triumphant romp home in 1963 after earlier lateness was in marked contrast to the famous West Cork tour of 1961, which set a record in lateness, reaching Dublin only in the small hours of the following day - perhaps a “day out” that may also merit detailed recording in a future Journal.

Tim Moriarty recounts the story of the GNR(I) cutaway model of SG3 class No. 202, while Kevin Walker explains the signalling arrangements introduced to enable the morning Limerick – Ballybrophy train to become two trains mid-section at Nenagh, which then proceed in opposite directions.  Kevin’s article is augmented by Peter Rigney’s historical note on banking staffs.

Our photo feature, compiled by Barry Carse with captions from multiple contributors, covers the Liffey Branch.  Readers may be surprised by the photogenic diversity offered by this short urban line, but the thorough coverage enables a comprehensive account to be given, both pictorially and historically, of this most vital of links in the initial development of Dublin’s rail network.

And the Liffey Branch continues to fulfil a significant, albeit very different, role in the network of today, with the construction of the new (2007) Docklands station on the site of the former Midland North Wall yard.  Oliver Doyle records the conception and construction of this, the first new Dublin terminus in more than a century.

The News section once again brings us up to date on current progress and future plans, and in this issue we are pleased to be able to include an extensive selection of recent photographs from many members.

These pictures include re-presentations of three images from the previous Journal 167, which had been inadvertently wrongly cropped.  As members will be aware, the previous Journal was greatly delayed, and finalisation of the proofs was completed against a very tight timeline, resulting in some detail amendments being missed.

Remaining Journal features include some reviews and an obituary for Denis Morris, prepared based on information provided by our member, Jack McCullagh, now located in the United States.

We are indebted to Stephen Hirsch for the improved and more space-effective arrangement for the inside front cover, which has enabled the both the inner and outer rear covers to be used entirely for pictures.

Photographs

Barry Carse continues to generously give of his time to gather together pictures, both old and new, for consideration for use in the Journal.

The recent bout of winter weather, something not experienced for several years, may have provided some snowy scenes, for those who braved the elements, so contributions depicting such circumstances would be of interest for possible future publication.

Deceases

Just as these notes are being finalised, word has come of the decease of our member Niall Torpey, well known to Dublin members, author of a paper on railway bridges, and Committee member for a period until ill health necessitated his standing down.

Sympathy is extended to Niall’s family and especially to his brother Brian, who is also an active Dublin member.

Also deceased on 10 February 2009 is the wife of Jack Phelan, for many years Cork Area Chairman and also former Hon. Legal Adviser to the Society.  To Jack and his family, sympathy is again offered on behalf of the Society and its members.

Programme

The enclosures with the Journal include the programme information for the remainder of the indoor season for Dublin as well as London and Cork.

For Dublin, we are especially pleased to offer three historical papers of the traditional Society type, starting with William Dargan, progressing through the complex legislative history of the County Donegal Railways Joint Committee, and concluding with a new study of the turmoil of the 1919-1921 period in Ireland, drawing on original research based on material from the Society’s Archives.

And, as is said on the radio – “much, much more”.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General meeting takes place on 26^th March 2009.  The change to company status has required ongoing attention to a variety of matters, and members are asked to attend this important meeting, when the Board reports to the Society.

Members are also asked to consider serving on the Board (Committee).  The current age profile is increasing and younger participation would be welcome.  In particular, members with computer and IT talents will find worthwhile tasks in which to be involved.

The Annual Reports will be circulated within the specified notice period in advance of the AGM.

Film Show in Newcastle West

In addition to their Dublin presentation, our members Liam Mooney and Tony Price will be giving a show at the Public Library in Newcastle West on Friday 27^th March 2008.

The event is supported by the Great Southern Trail Group and the films to be shown will include steam on the North Kerry, North Kerry beet, and other interesting material covering unusual lines in the south.

Past Event

On 15^th December 2008, the Society was pleased to host at its Dublin premises, the Dublin launch of a series of magnificent images of the former Clifden branch by Clifden photographer Lorraine Tuck.  The formal presentation was by Minister of State Martin Mansergh T.D., whom the Society was particularly pleased to be able to welcome to our premises for the first time.

Lorraine is planning a book based on her work and we wish her well in this venture.

Video – The West Cork Railways

This interesting CD, all colour, is available from a number of sources or directly from Cork Area Secretary, Ray Good (for address, see inside front cover of Journal) for €25.00.

All profits from sales are donated to the Railway Children Charity.

It’s great stuff and a great cause; purchase is strongly recommended!

 

MICHAEL J. WALSH,

Hon. Chairman.