REACHED THE LAST STOP: Mary Sheehan, who is saying farewell from the coffee shop at the bus station in the Killarney Outlet Centre. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

Mary is planning to retire after 20 years

By Michelle Crean

The coffee shop at the Outlet Centre is soon to see some changes after 20 years – as Mary Sheehan is closing the doors to her café.

Mary has been at the forefront of ‘The Coffee Bus’ since September 1, 1999. However, she’s decided it’s time to do something new and will close the doors for good on September 30.
“I’ll miss the customers but I won’t miss the place,” Mary told the Killarney Advertiser.
“There’s been a lot of changes over the last two years so it’s time to say goodbye.”

Over the years hundreds of young staff secured summer jobs with Mary.

“It was very much a community based business with a huge age profile. I made great friends. It’s like a drop in centre and no matter what we tried to help as best we could.”
Since she’s been telling her customers about her move she said she’s received positive feedback.

“I didn’t realise people valued it so much,” she said.
“On the whole everyone was nice. I always enjoyed it and always got up in the morning and looked forward to going in.”

However, she said she’s not ready to park the bus for good just yet.
“I’m not ready to retire yet. I’m keeping an open mind.”