In pictures: ‘Donegal’s Michael O’Leary’, James Anthony McGinley honoured at DDBN gala

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James Anthony McGinley was proudly honoured as Business Person of the Year at the Donegal Dublin Business Network (DDBN) Christmas Gala Dinner, held on Thursday night at the Iveagh Garden Hotel in Dublin.

The glitzy awards evening brought together members of the Donegal community from across the country for a memorable night of celebration, connection and generosity. The atmosphere in the room reflected not only professional admiration for James McGinley and McGinley Coach Travel achievements, but also a deep sense of pride from his fellow Donegal family and community.

James McGinley was joined at the event by family, including his wife Sínead, their four daughters, his parents Mary and John, his brother and sisters, all of whom joined in celebrating the well-deserved recognition.

The Business Person of the Year Award, presented by the Donegal Dublin Business Network, recognises James Anthony McGinley’s outstanding contribution to Irish business over almost four decades. As the driving force behind John McGinley’s Coach Travel, he has played a pivotal role in growing the family business from humble beginnings into one of Ireland’s most recognisable and trusted transport companies.

Founded in 1968 by his father John with a single minibus, the business has evolved into a vital transport link connecting Donegal with Dublin, Scotland and beyond. Headquartered in Magheroarty, near Gortahork, McGinley Coach Travel now operates one of the largest and most modern coach fleets in the country. In 2024, the company marked a major milestone with a €4 million investment in 10 new state-of-the-art coaches, reinforcing its long-term commitment to serving the people of Donegal.

Speaking on the night, James Anthony McGinley said he was deeply honoured to receive the award from his own county people.

“It is a tremendous honour to receive the DDBN Business Person of the Year Award,” he said. “To be recognised by your own county people makes it especially meaningful. I owe so much to my father John, who trusted me with the business when I left school at 16, and whose guidance has been invaluable over the past 40 years and to my Mother, Mary, for all her support over the years. Also my wife Sinead and my four daughters who have always been by my side.  I’m also incredibly proud of the dedicated team behind McGinley Coach Travel, without them, none of this would be possible.”

DDBN Chairman Garrett Harte said the award was richly deserved.

Mr Harte said: “James McGinley is everything that is great about Donegal. I spoke a few people close to James, and the words used to describe him were ‘unbelievably generous’, ‘an understated and intelligent businessman’, and ‘Donegal’s Michael O’Leary’. 

“For decades, McGinley’s Coaches have been synonymous with the county itself, providing a vital lifeline for students, families, patients, and workers travelling from Donegal to Dublin, Glasgow and beyond. There are very few people who haven’t experienced a McGinley’s journey at some point in their lives, and his contribution to business and to the wider community is enormous. The DDBN is delighted to honour James and his family.”

In addition to celebrating business excellence, the evening also focused on giving back. The gala dinner featured a charity auction and raffle in aid of Pieta House North West, raising over €19,000 to support vital mental health services for people in crisis in Donegal

Fionn Whelan, Pieta House Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “On behalf of everyone at Pieta, I would like to sincerely thank everyone at DDBN for delivering such a successful and well-organised event, and in particular James McGinley for choosing to support Pieta North West. 

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“The generosity shown through this event will make a meaningful and tangible difference, with the funds raised directly supporting the delivery of Pieta’s free, life-saving services across the region. At a time when increasing numbers of people in our community are reaching out to us in suicidal crisis, this support helps ensure that no one is turned away and that help is available when it is needed most.”