The RailStaff Awards 2024

Robert McKeown

Translink N I Railways

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Christopher Playfair - **HAS LEFT**

Said the following about Robert McKeown:

“So why have I nominated Robert McKeown?

Robert joined the railway in 1991 starting at York Road Station in North Belfast as a conductor. For the first five years of his career, he was on the frontline of suburban services to Larne, Bangor, Portrush & Derry services.

In 1997, Northern Ireland Railways invested and introduced a fleet of 28 new carriages that were built by De-Deitrich in France for the Cross-Border ''Enterprise'' rail service between Belfast & Dublin. This investment was a huge project for the cross border route ensuring that the two major cities in Ireland had a dedicated rail service.

Robert alongside several other colleagues, was nominated to progress to being a Train Manager for the Cross-Border service. From this, he has been responsible for the testing, introducing and running of the fleet of trains which was a milestone for his career. The service launched in September '97, and since then Robert has been a permanent icon and an integral part for the flagship service. At the moment, Robert holds the title for being the most senior Train Manager within his grade. Being well known by passengers & staff in both cities, Robert stands out for his outstanding customer service, personality, reliability and going the extra mile to help anyone.

When asked a question, Robert's answer always fills you with confidence and leaves you no doubts whatsoever going forward with his quick thinking and firm decision making.

In recent years, the grade of 9 Train Managers based in Belfast has had some new faces join the grade as others have retired or moved jobs. Robert has been relied on to support the new recruits, guiding them in the best possible way to ensure they deliver a high standard of service like he has done for the past 21 years on the Enterprise.

If there's a problem, Robert is certainly a ''Go To'' person who you can rely on. In recent times of disruption or service alterations, he has been a proven support to other members within the grade of Train Managers should they not be sure of anything or want to clarify an issue with their senior colleague, even on his day off when he is at home with his son Robbie and wife Jenny, Robert is always there to provide support to his colleagues no matter what.“

John Osborne

Said the following about Robert McKeown:

“I started Translink in 2001 as a bus driver before making the change into the railway in 2007 and this is when I met Robert.

He was very friendly and very approachable and we became friends not just work colleagues.

His knowledge of his role as a train manager is outstanding as is his knowledge and understanding of how the railway operates.

When you watch him interacting with passengers and going out of his way to help others it draws you to liking him you just can’t help it.

He also is very much on hand and forever helping his work colleagues and I know whenever I’ve needed advice he’s always been there to lend a hand weather in work or outside of hours.

What else can I say other than Translink are very lucky to have a dedicated employee in Robert and I’m very lucky to have met and call him a friend.

Can’t think of any one more deserving for this award than the big fella.

Good luck Robbie.“

Caroline Gourley

Said the following about Robert McKeown:

“I’m a regular traveller and Robbie McKeown is always ready to help with any queries or problems that arise.

He is always welcoming and provides reassurance to all customers.

I have witnessed him going above and beyond the call of duty whilst dealing with a wide variety of queries and feel he is worthy of recognition for his professionalism in custom services role.“

Adrian Vance

Said the following about Robert McKeown:

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Robert for the past 12 years as one of his many train drivers.

Robert has a gift when it comes to customer service. I’ve personally seen him handle situations that most could not.

His approach is of a professional manner at all times & is an absolute pleasure to work with.

He is super popular with passengers & particularly frequent travellers. He goes that extra mile every time...As they say here in Northern Ireland, “Robbie’s great Craic.”“

Barney McReynolds

Said the following about Robert McKeown:

“I have known Robbie for over 20 years working on the Railway. He has always be a pleasure to work with. He conducts himself in a professional manner at all times, while maintaining an easy going manner and good sense of humour, sometimes even in the most stressful of situations . It has also been a pleasure to have had such a hardworking and diligent colleague over the years. Robbie is one of the best!“

Lisa Mulholland

Said the following about Robert McKeown:

“Robbie is Fab!

I have been commuting for 8 years now and I have to say, that getting to know Robbie has been a pleasure.

He is a very positive and calming person and very supportive to all customer needs.

Robbie will always go over and above his job duties and make sure that you are looked after, even if he is not on shift. Nothing is too much trouble for him. Robbie always has time to talk and will always ask about my family and i enjoy the debates that we sometimes have :)

Robbie is definitely worthy of this award, and also a credit to Translink.“