Rory Mooney, 14 Jun
Brian, better known as ‘Kipper’ to colleagues and passengers, has had a
long and illustrious career on the railway and is finishing a 50-year
career in the very same building he started in - the North West Hub in
Derry, formerly called Waterside Railway Station.
He earned the nickname ’Kipper ‘- derived from The Flying
Kipper in Thomas the Tank Engine - because of his reputation as someone
who liked to be on-time and punctual – a name that has stuck.
Brian is a prime example of someone who rose through the ranks with a
love of the railway and five-decades of service has seen him working
through many different eras and times in Northern Ireland.
His first day was back on June 24, 1974 – the same year that Richard
Nixon became the first US president forced to resign after the
Watergate Scandal, the Rumble in the Jungle heavyweight boxing match
took place between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, a 26-year-old
author named Stephen King published his debut novel ‘Carrie’ and Sears
Tower in Chicago became the world’s tallest building.
On that day he took up position as a general porter carrying out duties
such as checking tickets, sweeping the platform and making the tea for
the older generation of workers.
However, it wasn’t long before he qualified to be a signalman and an
engineer and for following 15 years he was responsible for maintenance
on the trains making sure that the community could get to and from the
Maiden city on their travels safely.
Brian’s ambition meant that he was continuously learning and in January
1989 he became a qualified train driver - a role he has served in for
the past 35 years transporting almost 3.5 million passengers between
the Maiden City and Belfast daily.
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Barr, paid
tribute to Brian’s dedication to his role over the decades: “I am
delighted to be here to honour Brian and his remarkable 50-year career
on the railway network, transporting so many of us to our destinations
safely and efficiently. On behalf of our city and every passenger who
has had the pleasure of travelling with him, I want to say a huge thank
you and extend best wishes for a joyous and fulfilling retirement.”
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His influence has transcended the tracks and Brian has held some senior
responsibilities whilst working with Translink, Northern Ireland
Railways including being the Lead Trade Union Rep for the Train Drivers
in Derry. This important representation saw him attend high profile
events within the business including ‘The Royal Train’ with Her Majesty
the Queen Elizabeth II on board.
Brian’s experience and capabilities also meant he was chosen to work on
the Coleraine to Derry Renewals project between 2012 and 2013. During
the seven-month closure he drove engineering trains to ensure that the
railway he grew up on was renewed to a newer standard to enable quicker
journey times and increased frequency.
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Chris Conway, Chief Executive of Translink added: “50 years is a true
testament of Brian’s commitment to public service and he has played a
strong part in the railway team. For that, as a community, a railway
industry and as colleagues and friends, we are all eternally grateful
for his dedication and service and wish him a happy and healthy
retirement.
Hilton Parr, Temp. General Manager of Rail Services added: “Brian has
always been happy to share his skills and knowledge to ensure that the
railway keeps its high standard of service delivery - and someone who
the next generation of drivers call upon for advice and support.
“On a personal note, he is well known for being a character in the
North West and it’s fair to say he’s known as a bit of a prankster.
His one-of-a-kind laugh and big smile will certainly be missed amongst
us all here on the railway.”
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