Tommy Mackey is retiring

Tommy Mackey and Derek Walsh.

When three o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Christmas Eve, arrives, Tommy Mackey will be taking off his work coat at Eurospar for the last time, having worked there since 1997, writes Brian Byrne. Retirement is something he's looking forward to.

"But they've been good times," he told the Diary yesterday, recalling that he started in the supermarket when Leslie McCarthy owned it. Before that, he worked with Des Byrne at The Hideout for twenty years, before Des sold the pub in 1996. In customer-facing roles for a total of 48 years, he says, with a smile, "I never fell out with anyone."

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 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, says it's 'unsettling' when people like Tommy leave. "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."

So, if you come across Tommy in the shop today or tomorrow, wish him a happy Christmas and a long, healthy retirement.

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