Apropos your recent interesting comments on the passing of the tramcars (writes a correspondent), a friend of mine who is now one of the oldest residents of Blackrock tells me that he had the distinction of being among the passengers on the first electric car that came into Blackrock, bound for Dalkey, from the city.
He recalls that the township was in a great state of excitement all that day in expectancy of the new arrival; the Main Street was thronged, and all points of vantage were taken over by the younger generation. It was approaching midnight when the "new machine" appeared on Rock Hill, and my friend says that the chief object of admiration was the "huge, brilliant light" in front of the tramcar, which some of the spectators compared to the lights carried by the big trains in America.
The car was driven by the chief engineer of the new company, Mr Clifton Robinson, a native of Bristol, regaled in the inevitable silk hat and frock coat of the times.
As the tram pulled up it was warmly congratulated by some of the leading townsfolk. My friend was invited, with some others, to board the car, and continued the journey to Dalkey at a "terrific speed."
He has a vivid recollection of the cheering crowds all along the route, although it was well after midnight at the time.
The Irish Times, April 15th, 1940.