Tim Driscoll’s Donkey (Children’s Film Foundation)

Bells ring out across Trafalgar Square in London WC2 before the Children's Film Foundation logo appears. The National Gallery fills the left background and to the right stands St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

Dusk approaches the square. SJ

"Here in Ireland, among the Wicklow Hills behind Dublin, stands a small white farm." Alan Bourke believes that the view is towards the Great Sugar Loaf and Little Sugar Loaf range in Wicklow, from somewhere off the L1011 road near the Powerscourt estate, possibly Knockbawn Hill. and Pat Cleary adds, that "the panoramic view starts far left at the small but standout Carrickgollogan Hill and, panning right, takes in Bray Head, the Small Sugar Loaf and the Great Sugar Loaf."

Obtaining this shot with the Small Sugar Loaf in the centre distance, Pat explains "This clear view is from the Bridge Road just short of where it meets the L1011 at Kilmolin and is, indeed, near the Powerscourt Estate."

"Here lives Tim Driscoll with his Grandfather Mike."

Mike Driscoll (John Kelly) appears, carrying a bucket of carrots for Patchy the donkey.

Across the yard, Tim Driscoll (David Coote) approaches, telling his Grandfather that Patchy won't eat the carrots, only turnips.

Tim shows Sheila a letter explaining that George Sullivan the donkey trader is coming the following week and will buy all the donkeys including Patchy.

As he enters the farmyard, Ted (Bill Shine) calls out which brings Mike, Tim and their friends in from the field.

The Tinker hands over a collar to Mike, made to order, with a nameplate inscribed "Patchy - the property of Tim Driscoll".

When his Grandfather has a fall in the barn, Tim runs to fetch Dr. Murphy.

While Mr. Sullivan takes every donkey from the farm in the absence of Mike, Tim catches the Doctor as he leaves home in his car.

After examining the patient, Dr. Murphy (Desmond Llewelyn) explains to Tim that his Grandfather has to remain in bed to recover from the fall.

George Sullivan leads the donkeys to the station. The approach road to Lucan South station in Adamstown, County Dublin with Adamstown Road bridge to the left.

In the siding, the Engine Driver checks his watch as the line of donkeys approach the waiting train. Facing west from the cattle dock at Lucan South station with the station building in the centre distance.

George Sullivan (Shay Gorman) helps to load the animals into a cattle van bound for Dublin. The cattle dock at Lucan South station with the chimney of the signal box visible behind the wagons.

Tim runs towards the station as the last donkey is loaded. The approach road at Lucan South station with Adamstown Road bridge in the background.

Pat Cleary paid an early Sunday morning visit to this normally very busy road. Now known as Adamstown, the entire area is unrecognisable from1955. The station and sidings were demolished a very long time ago and the railway to the left now consists of two mainline and two suburban tracks.

The young lad arrives too late and he watches the train pull away from the siding. Looking towards the signalbox at Lucan South station.

When Tim asks a Guard when the next train to Dublin is, a line of wagons is pointed out. The cattle dock at Lucan South station. Curious to know why a station with sidings was located in what was then the middle of nowhere, Pat Cleary consulted his brother, lifetime rail enthusiast Paul, who explained "Prior to 1921 a narrow gauge railway ran from the station to what is now Casement Military Aerodrome (formerly known as Baldonnell Aerodrome), which was then a British military barracks. Supplies for the barracks were brought to the station and transferred to the narrow gauge train. Also, every morning a local train ran on the mainline to the station, carrying civilian workers for the barracks, who completed the journey on the narrow gauge, returning in the opposite direction in the evening."

Tim jumps onto the track and, out of sight of the Guard, makes his way to one of the vans. The cattle dock at Lucan South station in Adamstown with the station building in the left distance.

An hour later, the train departs, carrying Tim in the van labelled up to be returned to Lucan. Manuel Gurtner advises that "At the head of the train works 0-6-0 tender loco No. 171, one of 111 machines of Great Southern Railway Class J15, originally built as Class 101 between 1866 and 1903 mostly by the Great Southern & Western Railway at Inchicore, Dublin. By the way, over 20 years later, sister loco No. 184, then and still owned by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, appeared in 'The First Great Train Robbery' from 1979."

The running in board at Lucan South station in County Dublin. The station opened in August 1846 and had closed in June 1947, around 7 years before filming.

Tim wakes up as the short goods train enters Lucan station. Facing westward at Lucan South station. The bridge carries Adamstown Road north from Adamstown to Lucan.

The train is shunted and the van that Tim is hiding in is left behind. Looking eastward at Lucan South station in Adamstown. The station's buildings were demolished in the mid-1980s and the site has since been obliterated by the quadrupling of the Dublin to Cork Main Line and a dual carriageway.

As Tim continues his journey on foot, the train carrying the donkey's arrives at Dublin docks. To the right lies Sir John Rogerson's Quay along with a gas holder belonging to the Alliance & Dublin Gasworks on Hanover Quay. The quay can also be seen in 'Rooney', 'Another Shore', 'Ulysses', 'The Quare Fellow', 'The Big Gamble', 'Meet Simon Cherry' and 'The Face of Fu Manchu'.

A much changed skyline 70 years later from Pat Cleary. "With more bridges subsequently built across the River Liffey to the East if you want to dock here now you're gonna need a smaller boat."

Leaving the road, Tim hears singing in the trees. Identified by Alan Bourke, this is looking along the R117 road as it descends into Enniskerry with the spire of St. Patrick's Church and the Sugarloaf visible in the distance.

Pat Cleary found that 70 years of growth now obscures the scenic background.

Finding Ted's son John near a bridge, Tim is taken to the tinkers' camp.

The following morning, Mr. Sullivan brings the donkeys to North Wall Docks for loading onto the ship. Prompted by Pat Cleary who knew that this wasn't Dublin, we took another look and identified the port as East Quay at Newhaven Harbour on the River Ouse in Newhaven, Sussex.

Waking early, Ted and John take to the road and take Tim with them towards Dublin.

The miles go by before a wheel comes of the tinkers' car which ends the journey.

By midday, Tim arrives in Dublin after being given a lift by a kind Lady. Facing the Four Courts on Inns Quay with O'Donovan Rossa Bridge crossing the River Liffey. The building appears in many productions including 'Dublin Nightmare', 'Rooney', 'Another Shore', 'The General', 'Johnny Nobody' and 'The Quare Fellow'.

Pat Cleary advises that refurbishment work on the dome that commenced in 2015 encountered difficulties which took until 2022 to resolve. Restoration of the decorative stone support is continuing.

The camera pans with the Standard 8. Wood Quay in Dublin 8.

Although there are no vehicles to prove it, Pat Cleary tells us that traffic on this road has long been one way in the opposite direction and parking is a definite no-no.

Time ticks on as the city centre is reached. O'Connell Street Dublin 1 seen from O'Connell Bridge. The location also features in 'Dead Man's Evidence', 'Johnny Nobody', 'The Quare Fellow' and 'I See a Dark Stranger'.

Pat Cleary explains "Nelson's Pillar, seen in the capture, was blown up by night by Republican sympathisers in 1966. "The Spire of Dublin" took its place in 2003. The Daniel O'Connell Monument to the right still has bullet holes from the 1916 Easter Rising."

Nearing North Wall, the car passes the Custom House on North Dock 1, which can also be seen in 'The Quare Fellow', 'The Big Gamble', 'Girl with Green Eyes', 'Shake Hands with the Devil' and 'Flight of the Doves'.

Taking his comparison, Pat Cleary adds that this iconic 18th century building was severely damaged by fire during the 1921 War of Independence resulting in the loss of countless records. Nowadays it's occupied by Government offices.

The lady drops Tim at the quayside in time for him to see the SS Wayfarer leave the dock. Pat Cleary believes that this may be the continuation of the long road that stretches from the Custom House down to the end of the North Wall docks where all of the buildings have long since been demolished.

Recovered enough to travel, Mike Driscoll arrives at the Dublin railway station. Looking towards Westland Row station on Westland Row in Dublin 2.

The evening sun lights up the station frontage in Pat Cleary's comparison. "A popular trainspotting station back in the steam days. The electrified DART service celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and now runs from Howth and Malahide in North County Dublin to Greystones in Co. Wicklow with further extension planned."

Outside the station, Mike ask a Porter the way to the North Wall docks. The entrance to Westland Row station on Westland Row. Opened in 1834 and renamed to Pearse in 1966, other views of the station can be seen in 'Educating Rita', 'Michael Collins', 'The Commitments', 'Johnny Nobody' and 'Term of Trial'.

Pat Cleary had a spot of luck here, there were lots of passers-by to the left of his shot but nobody entering or exiting the station at the precise moment.

Mike finds his Grandson waiting on the quay. Newhaven Harbour on the River Ouse with the since replaced Lifeboat House to the extreme left. Newhaven Harbour also appears in 'Never Mention Murder' and 'Bachelor of Arts'.

Mike and Tim leave a Post Office after sending a cablegram to Mr. Sullivan aboard the SS Wayfarer, asking his to bring Patchy back.

The pair set of to enjoy their time in Dublin while waiting for Mr. Sullivan to return with Patchy. The since rebuilt Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2 identified by Pat Cleary.

Pat took this view looking towards the beautifully restored Merrion Square Park in the distance. A shot from the pavement was not possible due to the blinding evening sun just appearing top left.

On board the SS Wayfarer, Mr. Sullivan pockets the message without reading it while speaking with Mr. Marshall, the vessel's owner, who buys Patchy for his Son. Looking east along the River Liffey flowing from Dublin to the Irish Sea.

Pat Cleary explains that the iconic twin chimneys in the background were constructed many years after filming. They can be seen in 'Reign of Fire' from 2002 when a massive set was built beside them.

At Liverpool the next morning, the ship is unloaded. The River Mersey, facing the Royal Liver Building on Pier Head, Liverpool 3.

Patchy is loaded onto a train to be transported to Mr. Marshall's home in Wivelsfield.

Once inside the wagon, Patchy is secured for the journey to Sussex.

"The house at Wivelsfield seems very different from the farm in Ireland. And there, Patchy meets his new master."

Tim and his Grandfather return to North Wall to meet SS Wayfarer. Adjacent to Newhaven Harbour station, later Newhaven Marine, on Newhaven Harbour's East Quay.

Mr. Sullivan is spotted as he disembarks. East Quay at Newhaven Harbour in Sussex with the British Railways vessel 'Brighton' playing the arriving ferry.

Tim is disappointed to find that Mr. Sullivan hadn't read the telegram and is told about the sale of Patchy to Mr. Marshall. East Quay at Newhaven Harbour in Sussex.

Thinking that he could get to Wivelsfield by plane, Tim is taken to the airport by his Grandfather. The original Terminal Building at Dublin Airport in County Dublin.

Provided by a pilot friend of John Harwood. (SJ)

Only able to afford one ticket, Mike escorts Tim to the aircraft for the journey to England. Dublin Airport near Swords to the north of Dublin.

The Aer Lingus flight from Dublin lands at London Airport. London Airport in Hounslow, Middlesex. The sign can also be seen in 'Diplomatic Passport'.

An Official watches Tim board the coach for London. Outside the Arrivals Shed at London Airport in Hounslow.

Alighting from the BEA coach, Tim makes his way to Victoria station. London's Victoria station seen from Terminus Place in SW1.

The front of the station has lost some signage. SJ

Carrying his belongings in a small bag, Tim crosses the station's concourse. The concourse at Victoria station.

The Brighton side of the station. SJ

The departure board is checked for the train to Haywards Heath. This departure board was located on the L.B.&S.C.R. side of Victoria station.

Rather cluttered now despite the recession of the platforms on this side of the station. SJ

Passing a sign telling passengers for change at Haywards Heath for Wivelsfield Donkey Derby, Tim heads for the ticket barrier. The entrance to platform 13 at Victoria.

The current entrance to the platform which is now further out from the concourse. SJ

Departing for Sussex, the 6 PUL electric multiple unit draws out of Victoria station in London SW1.

Arriving at Haywards Heath, Tim makes his way from the station to Wivelsfield. Haywards Heath station on Commercial Square in Haywards Heath, Sussex.

Phil B nipped round to Haywards Heath station to take this shot. The station itself has changed little since it was built in 1932, but intruding into the view is the entrance to the new Waitrose supermarket, which opened in 2016, The supermarket stands on the site of the old Haywards Heath bus station, which would be just out of shot on the left in the original screen grab.

The signpost stands at the junction of North Common Road and Plumpton Road between Wivelsfield Green and Chailey Common from where Comphill can be seen in the distance.

The signs have gone and the road layout has changed a bit. This is from a viewpoint slightly east of the original but even in February Comphill is almost completely hidden by the trees. (PB)

Tim arrives at Wivelsfield Green where preparations are taking place for the Donkey Derby. The village green, situated between Wivelsfield Green Road and Eastern Road at Wivelsfield, Sussex.

This one was difficult to place accurately. The houses that originally stood at the southern corner of the green have gone, replaced by the houses in Green Park Corner; the house just left of centre in the screen grab was on the site of the house now just visible in the background here. To the right is the village hall, opened in 1981 and extended in 2020. (PB)

With his son Tony in the saddle and ready to race, Mr. Marshall (Hugh Latimer) finds that Patchy is very stubborn. The first Donkey Derby was held at Wivelsfield in 1951.

That hedge has grown since 1955. From the original viewpoint it's all that would be visible. (PB)

Spotting Patchy, Tim explains to Mr. Marshall that the donkey was sold by mistake and that he's come all the way from Ireland to find him. The neighbouring village of Wivelsfield Green is reputedly to have inspired the 1960s children's television series 'Camberwick Green'

Various additions to the houses in Green Road. (PB)

Mr. Marshall lets Tim ride Patchy in the main race. The Donkey Derby took place annually at Whitsun with the proceeds going to charity.

Not many people out today on a very wet village green. (PB)

Spectators cheer as the race continues. The green at Wivelsfield with Dumbrell's Cottages in the background.

Come the summer, Dumbrells Cottages will be completely obscured by the trees. (PB)

Tim and Patchy win the race and Mr. Marshall agrees to sell the donkey back to him. The village green at Wivelsfield in Sussex.

A view to the northwest corner of the green, with houses on Eastern Road. (PB)