'Reliable isn't a strong enough word for Tommy'

THERE was a strong local outpouring of goodwill for Tommy Mackey in Kilcullen when the word spread of his retirement on Christmas Eve from the town's Eurospar supermarket. He had worked there for 28 years and, before that, for 20 years at the famous Hideout bar and restaurant, when the late Des Byrne owned it.

In customer-facing roles for a total of 48 years, Tommy says, with a smile, "I never fell out with anyone." 

Though he says that all his working life "were good times", he's been looking forward to having time for himself.

Tommy has been easing back over the last year, working three days a week. He'll take some time to see what retirement brings, but he has no intention of just fading away. "Paddy Powell (a long-time customer in the Hideout) always said 'An idle man is the Devil's workshop', and I won't allow that to happen. I'll find what I want to do and do what I want to do."

Derek Walsh, who took over operation of the Eurospar business ten years ago, paid a glowing tribute to Tommy. 

"I don't think he took a day off sick in all the time I've been here," he said. "Reliable isn't a strong enough word for Tommy — people like him are worth their weight in gold."

Edward Dowling said he had fond memories of Tommy mentoring him while he was learning the bar trade at the Hideout. 

"He was a fantastic barman and taught many a young lad in Kilcullen the skills."

Amongst scores of good wishes from Eurospar customers were descriptions of Tommy as a "true gentleman" whose presence will be missed. Nicholas Egan described him as "professional all the way" in the shop, always with a friendly "hello" early in the morning.