Mike Collins, a volunteer at the railway since 1986 and a director of the DRM had the Northern Ireland launch of his first book at a packed event at the Railway Museum on Saturday, 10th June. The book was officially launched by BBC pesonality Walter Love.

Mike's book, Rail Versus Road in Ireland: 1900 to 2000, charts the uneasy relationship between road and rail-based public transport operators over the last hundred years. The book also deals with some of the rail vehicles evolved specifically to deal with the threat from road transport as well as the railway owned bus fleets, from the pre-World War One steam buses of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway to the latest offerings from Translink.

The guest list was extensive. In addition to Mike's own family and friends, the top echelons of Northern Ireland's public transport scene were represented. These included Ted Hesketh, Managing Director of Translink; Seamus Scallon, Rail Services Manager; GI Millar, Inspector General of Ulsterbus/Citybus. Other guests included Mr.Albert Colmer, Chairman of Down District Council, Mr. Norman Johnston and Mrs. Sheila Johnston of Colourpoint Books, who publish the book.

In the Republic, Mike's book was launched the following Thursday at an event hosted by Iarnrod Eireann in the Oslo Restaurant in Connolly Station. Originally the launch was to have made by the Minister of Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke. However, due to a last minute unforeseen requirement to be present in the Dail, she had to withdraw. Her place was taken by Mr. Brendan Tuohy, the Secretary-General of the Department.

The book, priced £14.99, is available in the shop in the railway station in Downpatrick.. Anyone wishing to purchase a copy should contact Mr. Jim Perry, Commercial Manager.

Pictured at the launch are (top) Mr. Alan Major, DRM; Mr. Norman Johnston, Colourpoint Books; Mr. Ted. Hesketh, Translink; (bottom) Mr. Walter Love, BBC presenter; Cllr Albert Colmer, Chairman Down District Council; and Mr. Mike Collins, author.

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