United fans ‘rail’-ly excited about special train service to cup final

Translink NI have confirmed that there will be a ‘football special’ train running for Ballymena United fans to Belfast for the Irish Cup Final on May 3.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Apr 2014, 16:00 BST
Ballymena United fans Phillip Simpson and Davy McCaig are pictured with Translink officials Rodney Ferris, David Simpson, Andrew McQuilken and Frank Moore (Manager), at Ballymena Train Station, where Translink are putting on a special train for fans traveling to the Irish Cup final. INBT17-200ACBallymena United fans Phillip Simpson and Davy McCaig are pictured with Translink officials Rodney Ferris, David Simpson, Andrew McQuilken and Frank Moore (Manager), at Ballymena Train Station, where Translink are putting on a special train for fans traveling to the Irish Cup final. INBT17-200AC
Ballymena United fans Phillip Simpson and Davy McCaig are pictured with Translink officials Rodney Ferris, David Simpson, Andrew McQuilken and Frank Moore (Manager), at Ballymena Train Station, where Translink are putting on a special train for fans traveling to the Irish Cup final. INBT17-200AC

The train will depart Ballymena Station at 11.30am and is direct to Adelaide Station on the Boucher Road, close to Windsor Park.

The return train is in place provisionally for 5.30pm return.

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In the event of the final goes to extra time or penalties, the train will wait for the fans regardless.

Tickets will be priced at £10 for adults (£5 for under-16s) and are only available from Ballymena train station from Wednesday. NO tickets will be available online.

Smart Pass holders still need to purchase tickets for the journey.

Passengers should note that anyone wishing to use this train must have a ticket and only the ‘Football Special’ ticket is valid for this journey. No other train tickets will be valid.

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Andy McQuilkin, of Translink, said: “It’s great that we were able to get this service up and running for the fans and hopefully everything will run smoothly on the day.”

Philip Simpson, Ballymena United Supporters’ Liaison Officer said: “It’s really superb that one of our supporters, Davy McCaig, has been able to work along with Andy and Translink to make this possible for what will hopefully be a brilliant day out for all to remember.

“There was a big demand from the Sky Blue faithful for trains for the semi-final and Andy was able to work with us to get our own ‘football special’ for the big day out on May 3.

“We would encourage that fans will use this mode of transport as it’s especially put on for us and is really superb value for money.”

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Davy McCaig believes the train will be a popular mode of transport for United fans heading to the showpiece final against Glenavon.

“This train is an excellent opportunity for fans to travel to the Cup Final totally hassle-free.

“It cuts out completely any suspected cup final traffic congestion and will transfer every fan to within 100 yards of Windsor Park in half an hour.

“I have to express my thanks to the Translink staff and Andy in particular who has been in constant contact with me every step of the way.

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“Let’s just hope that the train home at 5.30pm is full of delirious Sky Blues!” added Davy.

* For any other information on the ‘Football Special’ service, please contact Andy McQuilkin at Ballymena Train Station on 07747573926.

Related topics:SupportersBelfastTickets