NWRC staff remember Colman O'Driscoll through charity fundraiser

Staff at North West Regional College (NWRC) have donated £1,500 to the Foyle Hospice, in memory of their colleague Colman O’Driscoll, who passed away last year after a short illness.

Colman, who was originally from Cork, was NWRC’s Hospitality and Catering Manager since 2018 and previously worked as Head Chef at the Everglades Hotel in Derry~Londonderry.

Leyonia Davey, Curriculum Manager of Hospitality and Catering at NWRC, said that following Colman’s death, friends and colleagues wanted to work together to remember a man who loved to help others and never looked for praise himself.

She added: “Colman O’Driscoll was a hugely popular member of staff who always had a cheeky grin and a story to tell. No matter how busy he was, he made time to stop and talk to everyone. It was with people that Colman showed his best side. Everyone knew Colman and he always tried to get to know you as well.

“He was a proud Cork man, full of wit and charm. Those among the staff will know that no matter what Colman was asked to do it was always ‘no bother’. It was his standard reply. He was helpful no matter what the ask or the time or the occasion.

“Colman was hard-working, successfully running the college’s restaurants and coffee shops. He was always there, ready to support the college in whatever capacity he was asked.

“A few years ago, when the college ran a Showcase event at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Colman stole the show with his live cooking demonstrations. That’s just the way he was, he had a charisma that made him friends wherever he went. We miss him dearly.

“On the first anniversary of Colman’s death our thoughts are with his wife Betty and his extended family.”

To raise the money, staff in the Hospitality and Catering department at NWRC ran a Christmas raffle and opened an Artisan Christmas shop with all funds donated to the Foyle Hospice.

The fundraisers were supported by staff at campuses in Derry~Londonderry, Limavady and Strabane.