Driving By Dooley

By Gerard Flynn
All great things start out small. Dooley Car Rental began as a local garage and repair shop in Knocklong Cross, County Limerick in 1971. But Pat Dooley, the founding father, had wide horizons before him and wider roads on his mind when he decided to change lanes and move into the local car-hire business.
As change is the face of Modern Ireland, and as the Emerald Isle moved from a nation of local roads to American-style highways, Dooley Car Rental was right there along for the ride and is now cruising in the fast lane as far as car hire goes.
With offices around the world, Dooley Car Rental has become the premiere pick for everyone visiting Ireland - from the ordinary journeyman to the journeying celebrity - and many grateful customers have stopped by before departing to heap much merit upon this family firm.
" A heartfelt thank you for great service," came from the lips of veteran news anchor Tom Brokaw. A flattering, "I want to thank everyone at Dooley Car Rental for providing such exceptionally fine service during my visit to Ireland," from visiting dignitary and famous Irish American, Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Praise comes from the less-than-famous too: "Nothing but kudos for Dan Dooley." "It's a family company and employees are friendly and helpful."
The range and class of vehicles available for hire is wide and the list is expanding. Looking for something small and intimate? Try a cross-country trip in a feisty Ford Fiesta. Got a lot of luggage, travelling large? Then the minibus might suit you or your family's or group's needs. Like to try something a little more luxurious? You might want to avail of the very fancy Mercedes 200E, a car in a class of its own. There are also Renaults and Toyotas to choose from. As growth has always been as important as choice and comfort, the company is, as always, expanding.
"We currently have 14 offices all over the country, but we expect to have 19 by this coming summer," said CEO Dan Dooley, speaking from the main office in Knocklong Cross.
When asked how he would characterize the business he puts its thus, "It's far more than a car rental business; here in Knocklong it's a way of life, a community." In this community of just 300 people, his company employs 40 locals, a sizeable number indeed.
And there are depots all over the country and with more coming this summer, you can add convenience to comfort and value-for-money when choosing Dooley Car Rental. If Dublin is your point of destination or departure, there's one right at the airport, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
There is also one in Santry, North Dublin, Dublin Port and of course in Dublin City Centre's swanky Westland Row, with hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
You will also find depots at Shannon and Galway Airports, there for your needs seven days a week. Coming through Cork Airport, you'll find a Dooley depot there and at Cork Ferryport.
Dooley's made their way north in 1987, and today there are three depots in the Belfast area: Belfast International, Belfast City and one on the Belfast Docks.
I should stress that since Dooley Car Rental is there for your convenience if you rent in Dublin, for example, but are departing from say Shannon, you can drop it off at the depot there and be on your way. No worries and no extra costs. How's that for convenience?

The full original article can be seen here.