Sir Gerry Robinson welcomes former traindriver Michael Gallen to Oakfield Park
One of Donegal’s last surviving train drivers was given the chance to get behind the controls again – to celebrate his 90th birthday.
Letterkenny man Michael Gallen’s family wanted to do something special to celebrate his milestone birthday.
But with the railway having closed more than 50 years ago, Michael’s family knew it was impossible to get him behind the controls of the old Strabane to Letterkenny train which he drove for a decade until 1959.
Or was it?
Michael gets behind the controls for the first time in more than 50 years.
Michael’s family knew Sir Gerry Robinson was planning to run a 24 hour train marathon around his Oakfield estate in aid of the Relay for Life which started last night at 6pm.
And having heard of Michael’s service to the railway, nothing would do Sir Gerry and his wife Heather than to invite Michael along as their special guest.
Michael, who retired in 1988 from CIE, was overcome with emotion last night as he thanked his family and Sir Gerry for arranging the trip down memory lane.
“The smell of the steam and the smoke brings it all back. It’s just wonderful.
“I didn’t think I would ever do anything like this again in my life.
“It’s a lot different than the rail carriage that I drove but it’s such a lovely gesture and brings so many memories back to me,” said a very youthful-looking Michael.
The father of eleven and grandfather of 17 even brought his original train-driver’s cap with his for old time’s sake as he was given the chance to drive the train around the estate.
Sir Gerry Robinson said it was wonderful to have someone with such a strong connection to the original railway line at the event.
“It’s such a great occasion and to have Michael and his family here makes it just perfect.
“Michael is a gentleman and we spoke about the old railway and he has a wonderful memory and is in such good health for his years. We were honoured to meet him,” said Sir Gerry.
The Oakfield estate owner also spoke about the reason for the 24 train marathon.
The idea came from the family of the late Claire McGlynn whose husband Tony still works on the estate.
Claire sadly passed away last year from cancer and they wanted to do something special to honour Claire during the Relay for Life event.
And so Claire’s Bluebells was born.
Sir Gerry, whose wife Heather, also battled cancer, said he was conscious that almost everyone in Donegal has been touched by the disease.
“The reality is that we almost al know some who has been touched by this terrible disease.
“But the reality is that many cancers are now treatable but I think we must continue to raise funds for cancer research so we can continue to treat it.
“Relay for Life is a wonderful occasion and event and we are just delighted that we can play our small part.
“We are looking forward to a great occasion here in Oakfield and the staff and many volunteers have made this event possible. We thank them all sincerely,” he said.
As of last night, and even before the first whistle went on the first journey at 6pm, the event had managed to raise an amazing €11,000 for Relay for Life.