£120,000 appeal launched to return Irish preservation group’s Slieve Gullion to steam

**GNR(I) No. 171 *Slieve Gullion* passes Ballinasloe with the RPSI’s ‘Corrib’ railtour on May 11, 2002, just two months before retiring to Whitehead for overhaul. CHARLES FRIEL**

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland has launched a £120,000 appeal to complete the restoration of its semi-overhauled flagship Great Northern Railway (Ireland) ‘S’ class No. 171 Slieve Gullion.

The popular 4-4-0 last steamed in July 2002, and in early 2014 it crossed the Irish Sea to undergo a contract overhaul by Rail Restorations North East Ltd (RRNE) in Shildon, County Durham.

Unfortunately, RRNE ceased trading part way into the project and No. 171 was returned unfinished to Whitehead in early 2015, where it has been on public display since.

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