Banteer

Banteer, Co.Cork, is the first open station from Mallow on the Great Southern & Western Railway's line to Tralee line, opened in stages in 1853 and 1859. The station buildings complete with redundant signal cabin all survive in fine order. The station is very attractive with clean surfaced platforms, a 19th century footbridge and floral displays. In 1889 the station become the junction for the Newmarket branch. The branch lost its passenger and goods services in January 1947. However goods traffic recommenced in 1956 with newer motive power acquired, this been CIE's 4-wheel G Class Deutz diesel locos, which proved successful. However despite healthy goods traffic CIE closed the branch completely in February 1963. The Newmarket bay platform at Banteer survives, although fenced off from the main platforms.
Seen taking the curve through Banteer Station is 201 Class locomotive No.216 heading a special service from Dublin to Tralee. urning around quickly, 216 is captured again as it passes the disused Great Southern & Western Railway signal cabin with its rake of Mk3 coaching stock at the west end of Banteer. The rather neat and attractive station at Banteer, looking west towards Tralee from the up platform. The large Great Southern & Western Railway stone built station at Banteer, located on the up platform. It was refurbished recently when the line was modernised.
The cast iron Victorian footbridge at Banteer, yet to be replaced by a modern structure. The hanging flower baskets are a nice touch, found at the stations along this line. Banteer Station, looking east towards Mallow from the footbridge. The former goods yard, where the goods shed was once sited, can be seen in the background. This is the disused Great Southern & Western Railway signal cabin at Banteer, dating from the 1880s. It is set back away from the line to accommodate the one time track leading to the Newmarket bay platform. This is the former bay platform which served branch trains on the Newmarket branch. The branch operated from 1889 until complete closure in February 1963.
This is the automatic level crossing at the west end of Banteer Station, it replaced the one time hand operated gates. The former branch to Newmarket diverged to the right towards the trees and shrubs. A plaque commemorating the opening of the railway line from Mallow to Tralee in April 1853, seen mounted on the wall of the station building. The stations at Killarney, Millstreet and Rathmore also have these plaques.