The 50th Anniversary run to commemorate the end of the GNR (Great Northern Railway Ireland) took place on the 7th of September 2008. Skerries in north Co. Dublin was chosen for this event as the GNR was the main operator in the area until 1958.
The GNR(I) began its bus service in Drogheda in 1929. As it expanded, it bought out many other small operators and by 1935, the GNR(I) had 180 buses. Most of the buses were built at DRW (Dundalk Railway Works) but in 1948 due to demand, 39 AEC Regent Double Deckers were imported from the UK, most had complete 'Park Royal' bodies bar the last four which were finished in Dundalk. The Dundalk buses had a special board in the lower saloon. 438 features the board from 442 which has the number 438 for this bus. 438 was registered in the Republic of Ireland while it's sister, 439 was registered in Northern Ireland. Together, 438 and 439 worked the cross border Dundalk - Newry route.
On October 1st 1958, the GNR(I) was taken over by CIE and the AEC Regents were re-classified as AR however retaining the GNR(I) numbers. 31 of the 39 continued with CIE under the AR guise. The remaining were withdrawn before CIE took over.
A number of preserved buses attended this run 50 years after GNR(I) ended, accompanied by enthusiasts. The convoy of three buses started near swords, calling at Lusk, Rush, Loughshinny and ultimately Skerries Co. Dublin.
The Transport Museum at Howth attended with their beautifully restored GNR 438 which was most definitely the star of the day. 438 was accompanied by Ian Molloy’s RA30 and Darren Hall’s D464. Regretfully, R788 and DF839 were unable to attend due to separate mechanical difficulties.
It was a most enjoyable day with a special thanks going to Mr. Robert Laird who co-ordinated the event. |
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