Bundoran’s popular tourism officer Shane Smyth set for pastures new

Bundoran popular Tourism Officer for the last 11 years, Shane Smyth, is to step down from his current role as Bundoran Tourism Officer for a new adventure, on March 19.

In many ways, Shane has been the public face of the tourist resort for over a decade and in that time, was also the Volunteer Press Officer with the local RNLI, until he stepped down from that role at the end of last year.

The 2024 St Patrick’s Day parade will be his last major engagement in his current role.

Announcing his decision, he said:

“It has been the honour of my life and privilege to have served the town and seen such wonderful and positive development since 2013.

“While sometimes the job had its challenges - the town, its beauty, its character, its facilities and most of all its people really sold itself, with just a little input from me.

“I did what I do and tried to help to elevate Bundoran's position as a tourism destination even higher through the website, social media, PR and a few events here and there.

“From fireworks displays in torrential rain to shutting down the Main Street on numerous occasions for family fun days, car parks for vintage car displays to running music festivals, the experience I have gained and the people I have met and worked with will live forever in my memories.”

He also thanked the trade members of Discover Bundoran who constantly entertained, supported and championed my oftentimes “left of centre” promotional ideas.

He concluded:

“A special word of thanks to John O’Connell for his leadership and guidance during these 11 years and for taking a chance on me with Margaret and Eimear. He often talked me out of stuff but more often I talked him into stuff during many brainstorming sessions.

“To Cormac Meehan for his counsel, to Mickey Mc for his constant support and encouragement and his team for all of the help over the years, to everyone else - my colleagues at Waterworld, the Tidy Towns team, Danielle, Teresa, Maura, dearest Marc, Bundoran trade and those who I call my colleagues and friends all over town - thank you for everything.”

“I’m excited for the next challenge and I won’t be far.”

It is understood that the Bundoran man will be taking up a new tourism linked appointment within the north west.