Go-Ahead Women: Meet Alma

From Labourer to Wheels – Meet Alma

As part of our Go-Ahead Women - Driving Change initiative, we’re sharing real stories from women who’ve transformed their careers by becoming bus drivers with Go-Ahead Ireland. These stories are part of our upcoming Women Recruitment Day on Saturday, 26th July, where you can meet drivers like Alma, hear their journeys, and even try out the driver’s seat yourself.

 

“If I can do it, you can too.” – Alma Mackey

Alma Mackey joined Go-Ahead Ireland a year and a half ago, bringing with her a diverse professional background, including experience in carpentry. After years of working in less structured roles, Alma was ready for a change - something solid, stable, and future-focused. She found exactly that in bus driving.

“I was a labourer for a carpenter, but I wasn’t in a structured job. I wanted stability - something strong and reliable. Driving a bus seemed like a solid career move. And to be honest, I’m a strong, capable woman with a lot to offer. It’s not just about driving. I brought life experience, people skills, and resilience with me.”

 

Q 'n' A with Alma

1. What were you doing before you became a bus driver, and what inspired the change?
“I was a carpenter labourer, I worked as a cleaner and did catering in Croke Park. I wanted stability—something strong and reliable. Driving a bus seemed like a solid career move. And to be honest, I’m a strong, capable woman with a lot to offer. It’s not just about driving. I brought life experience, people skills, and resilience with me.”

2. What were you feeling the day you applied?
“Honestly? I wasn’t sure. I asked myself: ‘Is this really for me?’ But something pushed me to go for it. Sometimes that first step is the biggest one.”

3. What was your biggest worry before starting – and how did that change?
‘Am I going to be good enough? Can I handle a vehicle that size? Will I fit in?’ I even worried about remembering all the routes. But once I started the training and got behind the wheel, those fears faded. And the welcome I got from the male drivers? Absolutely incredible. I felt part of the team straight away.”

4. What would you say to other women who think, “I could never drive a big bus”?
“Go for it. Start with the first step - get your CV together and send it to Go-Ahead. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to know it all. You just need to believe in yourself. You can’t do everything - but you can do anything.”

5. What kind of support helped you the most as a beginner?
“The classroom training. It stuck with me. Even now, every day, those lessons come back to me - whether it’s driving skills, safety, or customer service. My two mentors also made sure we were prepared before going live in service, they were amazing.”

6. How has becoming a bus driver changed your life?
“It’s made me more organised, more resourceful with my time. But more than that - I’m showing my kids what it means to have a strong work ethic. I’m setting an example by showing up, doing my best, and being proud of what I do.”

7. What surprised you most about the job?
“How quickly I adapted and felt like I belonged. That was a big one.”

8. What’s something passengers do that secretly makes your day?
“Oh, I got a commendation the other day! A passenger saw me helping a lady with the ramp and took the time to say something. That feedback meant the world. And sometimes people bring me a bottle of water or say something kind. Those little moments make my day.”

 

Want to Meet Women Like Alma?

Join us at the Go-Ahead Women Recruitment Day to hear more inspiring stories, ask questions, and explore what a career in bus driving could look like for you.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, 26th July
  • Location: Go-Ahead Training Centre
  • Times:
    • Morning Group: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Afternoon Group: 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM

👉 Walk-ins are welcome at both time slots, but we encourage you to register in advance here.