Cootehill man retires after 50 years in Carton Bros
Image 1 of 2
Bernard McIntyre relaxing with members of his family on Friday evening following his retirement from Carton Bros Shercock after over 50 years service. Front Tadhg, and Eva Kissane, Seated from left Son Niall Mcintyre holding Isla McIntyre, Daughter in Law Aine McIntyre holding Rian McIntyre, Bernard McIntyre, Brigid McIntyre and Daughter Lisa Kissane. Missing from picture Daughter Edel McIntyre her twins Erin and Shea McKevitt, Vincent McKevitt and Donal Kissane. Alex Coleman.Image 2 of 2
Bernard McIntyre receiving a presentation on his last day in Carton Bros Shercock after over 50 years of loyal service to the company. Pictured with some of his long-serving work colleagues on Friday afternoon (from left) Bernie McEnroe, Brendan McDonald, Martin Hand, Bernard McIntyre receiving the presentation from John O’Brien and Martina Rooney. Alex Coleman.By Gemma Good
A Cootehill man has clocked out for the last time after more than 50 years of service at a local production facility.
Supervisor Bernard McIntyre has retired from Carton Brothers in Shercock last Friday.
The staff and management of the company, which produces Manor Farm chicken, showed their appreciation of Bernard by giving him an excellent farewell last Friday, August 6.
They presented him with a cake and card, which was signed by all of his colleagues.
“I don’t know how many names were on the card,” said a stunned Bernard.
He was enjoying the first official day of his retirement when speaking to the celt on Monday. Berard talked us through his final day in the factory.
“A lot of great things were said,” he said wistfully, revealing he felt “a bit emotional".
“I didn’t think I was as well got to be honest,” he laughed.
Bernard loved his days working in the factory. He was faced with a new challenge every day, as well as meeting different people passing in and out of the factory. He especially enjoyed the summer months when students worked in the factory.
“It’s a great place for students,” he said, explaining many came to his department where he mentored them.
Bernard worked in the pre-assembly area where orders are palletised and prepared to be sent out to the supermarkets on lorries.
Despite many wonderful years in the factory, Bernard felt it "was time to go.” He looked back to when he first started the job.
He recalled his first interview with Thomas P Carton in January 1971.
“He was the man that started the factory,” Bernard said.
The factory first opened its doors in November 1970 when unemployment was very high in the area. Bernard joined just two months later.
“I was part of the furniture,” he joked.
“I’ve seen a lot of change and people coming and going.”
He said production and technology in the factory has “improved an awful lot” down through the years.
“When I started, it was all done by hand,” he recalled.
“Now it’s all technology,” he said.
Bernard thanked his family and everybody at Carton Brothers who were “very good” to him down through the years.
He said TP Carton, the Cartons and all the managers he served under were a “pleasure” to work for, mentioning he always “got on very well” with everyone.
“I enjoyed every day at the factory,” he said.
Bernard is looking forward to travelling and spending time with his family during his retirement.
“I have six grandchildren so I’ll have plenty of work to do,” he said.
He plans to travel around Ireland and eventually jet abroad. He said the entire family would have always went to Spain together until the pandemic hit. He hopes they can go on their family holiday again soon.