White House Award
As usual, everything starts with a phone call and blossoms from there on. Having provided services to notable travel and tour operators for a number of years, its wasn’t long before our quality Private Hire Chauffeur services reached the ear of those in charge of the planning of State visits and trips. When President Trump stopped by Ireland during the 75th Commemorative Services for those Americans who fought bravely in WW2, his visit to Ireland this June included a stop off at his Doonbeg Golf Resort. Carrig Coaches Chauffeur’s are no strangers when it comes to serving Trump Doonbeg Golf Resort's high-end customers, so it was a very natural step for us to assist in the transportation and logistics of ferrying the US Presidents massive entourage of staff and security, from Shannon Airport to the Golf Resort.
For this operation it needed a fleet of vehicles both diverse and suitable for such a prestigious visit. All our vehicles were pressed into service, from the Stately Mercedes S Class, and Executive Viano’s to the well-appointed Sprinters and our Larger Beulus 53 seaters. All of which were in pristine state of presentation, much to the commendable hard work of the dedicated staff back at base.
John Hartnett, Tours Manager and Director, together with Mike McElligott and Clare Bagnell, ensured the schedules were meticulously followed through. Indeed, John himself took the wheel throughout the long stop overs, together with other professional drivers on our team. Thereby, creating a seamless transition from Aircraft arriving on the tarmac direct to venues and accommodation throughout County Clare. This was a 24/7 requirement to make sure the right people and their equipment were in the right place and at the right time.
Two State Visits Within 3 Months
With the scheduled State visit, of the Vice President Mike Pence in September of 2019, it was all to be done again. And of course, the well-oiled machine kicked in once more. Having done both major visits and returned the vehicles to the yard and regular duties, it was an absolute delight for John Hartnett on the last day to be taken aside by the Senior Operational Staff of the White House, and be awarded a US State Medal, in recognition of ‘Exemplary Services’ to the White House.
Naturally we are very proud to have been recognised in this way. We are also very happy to add that customers of Carrig Coaches have in the last few years taken the time to send in their testimonies; thanking all of our driver guides, who have made both family occasions and visits to Ireland an absolute joy. Indeed, it will always remain an absolute pleasure to serve all.