A Limerick bus driver who was unstinting in his efforts to make the sightseeing tour of a group of people from the United States as enjoyable and informed as possible, has just been named as one the winners of this year’s Irish Welcome Awards, which are given by Failte Ireland.
Ned Roche from Rathkeale, who is a driver for CIE International Tours, Bus Eireann in Limerick, was nominated by John Richardson from the US for the award.
In company with a group of fellow Americans, Mr Richardson travelled on a bus tour on which the driver was Ned Roche
" Ned spent lots of time during the tour escorting us around and highlighting all the country’s top attractions while providing detailed information on each one. He went out of his way to accommodate our desires and requests to stop wherever we wanted - he was a wonderful, informed and charming host right throughout the entire tour and was colourful, entertaining, interesting and a mine of great information,” said Mr Richardson.
As one of 26 county winners, Ned is now in contention for the overall Irish Welcome Award, which will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on November 15.
Brought up on a farm, he spent most of his earlier working life in industry before becoming involved with the FCA from which he retired as a captain, in 1998.
Ned, who takes tourists to every part of the 32 counties, can be away from home on a tour from three days to 10 days.
Commenting on Ned’s success in the Awards, Aidan Pender, director of enterprise and skills development with Failte Ireland, said: "This is a great story, which captures the true spirit of an Irish welcome.
It’s an illustration of warmth and helpfulness and a reminder that adding a little bit extra leaves our visitors with a lasting, positive impression of our people and the country.
I would like to congratulate Mr Roche on winning the award, he truly sets an example for others”.
Mr Pender said that there had been a 50 per cent increase in nominations received for the Awards this year.
Set up in 2001, the Failte Ireland Irish Welcome Awards encourage visitors to nominate someone who has made their stay in Ireland more enjoyable by taking a little extra time or going out of their way to make the visitor’s time here special.
