The wheels on the bus have gone round for the last time as Dublin Bus driver Desi O’Toole drove his last 84 bus through north Wicklow on Sunday evening.
Desi who is well known for his charity work in all fields including suicide awareness, cancer support and the Wicklow Hospice to name but a few, was escorted through Greystones and Kilcoole as he made his last shift, crowds turned out to wish him well after 47 years at the wheel.
Friend and local Councillor Tom Fortune said
“Nobody has done as much for local charities, particularly his Bus walk from Wicklow Town to Bray seafront in aid of charities in Wicklow- his work in support of suicide awareness – his motorbike event. His work fundraising for Wicklow Hospice, he was part of the original fundraising group . For the hundreds of school children he carried on his bus over all the years . He is one of life’s decent, good people.
He has helped hundreds of people while driving his bus , he has been a counsellor to many people who are struggling. We could do with more like him, he is a super human who puts everyone before himself, he will be sadly missed. I’m am delighted so many people have turned out to say goodbye.”
Desi posted the following message on Social Media
“What an amazing send off last Sunday for my final run from Newcastle as an 84 driver. So many people from Newcastle, Kilcoole and Greystones braved the weather to come and wish me well.
It’s been a pleasure to have been a bus driver dealing with all of you over the last almost 47 years. I’ve seen some of my passengers from going to school, getting married, having children and their children then getting my bus to school, and then their grandchildren also!
You have not heard the last of me as I will still be involved in helping local charities.
Special thanks of course to Ciaran Hayden and all the Greystones fire crew, Garda JP Connolly and Garda Sandra Tierney for making all the noise.
God bless and thank you all.”
