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sound man

'I was taking calls from across Connacht': Mayo's Leaving Cert taxi driver had a busy night

The idea’s spreading.

Cp_FNE4WAAQSuv6 Twitter / @joemaxitaxi Twitter / @joemaxitaxi / @joemaxitaxi

YESTERDAY, MAYO TAXI driver Joe Freeley followed through on his sound annual commitment to give Leaving Cert students free taxi rides on results night.

He has a bucket in the back of the cab where students can donate whatever they want to Pieta House – the centre for prevention of self-harm and suicide.

He told DailyEdge.ie this morning that last night saw a big change from previous years:

“The difference this year was that I was taking calls from across Connacht – but I have to confine myself to Ballyhaunis.”

joemaxi JoeFreeley Facebook JoeFreeley Facebook

He never left the town, staying close to his regulars:

It was great to see the message has spread but I have to confine myself to serving the local communities.

It wasn’t the busiest night he has ever seen in the three years doing it, but the students were as willing to give as ever:

It was great last night. It wasn’t quite as busy as last year – but I think that was because it was midweek and there wouldn’t be as much happening in the town. A lot of the kids went for meals with their parents and then on to house parties.
I got a special bucket from Pieta House that was sealed – so I don’t know exactly what’s in it. Like other years though, the kids were giving generously each time. Sometimes young people can get a bad press but last night they were a pleasure to transport. I only have good things to say about them: very, very sensible.

Another successful Leaving Cert results night then

13882079_10207055111720572_7164937222942424711_n Facebook / Joe Maxi Taxi Facebook / Joe Maxi Taxi / Joe Maxi Taxi

As much as Joe is delighted with the way it went last night, he tells DailyEdge.ie how it could go further:

I would love if another taxi or group of taxis in another part of the country did the same for Leaving Cert results night.
I know it’s impossible for taxis in large towns and cities, but even if one other rural taxi like myself did it we could gain some momentum for the cause. Regardless if nobody takes it up next year, I feel it’s my golden opportunity to highlight a great cause.

Onwards and upwards to next year.

Well played again, Joe.

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More A taxi driver in Mayo is offering Leaving Certs free lifts tonight for a lovely reason>