Derry GAA: Translink to operate All-Ireland semi-final train

"If it's for Derry it needs to leave from Derry," said the Into the West rail lobby group on Tuesday

Translink will run special trains, with connecting services to and from Londonderry, for Saturday's GAA All-Ireland football semi-final in Dublin.

There had been criticism of the transport options for those based in the north west travelling to and from the event.

The Oak Leafers face Galway in the All-Ireland football semi-final at Croke Park.

A rail lobby group had called for a special train service from Derry.

Into The West campaigner Steve Bradley said: "If it's for Derry it needs to leave from Derry."

Translink said it will run coach specials leaving from Foyle Street in Derry, Dungiven and Maghera to Dublin.

A rail special is running from Belfast to Dublin and capacity on these is being enhanced to cater for the expected increase in demand. 

'Much excitement'

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd welcomed the decision.

"I know that there has been much excitement in the county in recent weeks following on from the team's fantastic Ulster Championship win which was backed up by their impressive display against Clare in the All-Ireland quarte-final," he said.

"I was keen to ensure that as many Derry supporters as possible were able to travel to Croke Park on Saturday to support the team against Galway.

"I contacted Translink to ask them to consider a special train service from Derry and I'm pleased to say that this has now been confirmed. 

"This train service from Derry will complement the extra bus services that have been put on for the match.

"I hope that these public transport services will allow more people to be able to travel to Dublin."

A Translink spokesperson said it will be "an exceptionally busy" weekend as "many people are taking holidays using cross-border services and we are also committed to operating additional special coach and train services to concerts in Dublin".

Derry reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2004 after a dominant 5-13 to 2-8 win over Clare last month

"As such, we are operating at maximum capacity of the timetable and infrastructure we have available," added the spokesperson.

"Many of these special services are now sold out and so anyone travelling this weekend cross-border should ensure they pre-book their ticket to travel."