Paddy retires 50 years to the day his employment started

HALF a century after he started working with Keane Kitchens, Paddy Murphy has retired - exactly 50 years to the day on which he took up employment with the Ballyhaunis company.

Paddy was one of two long-serving staff members to recently retire from the company.

Company director for many years, Patsy Keane (Doctors Road), son of company founder Michael A. Keane, and Paddy Murphy (Knock Road) were the subject of glowing tributes at a retirement celebration held in Val's Lounge and Bistro with management and staff.

Directors Emmett and Patrick Keane paid glowing tributes to Patsy and Paddy for their enormous contribution to Keane Kitchens over the years and for helping to bring the workmanship of the company to such a high level of expertise during their years of service.

Patsy and his brother Emmett joined their father in the business over 60 years ago, and from what were humble beginnings on Knox Street 81 years ago, in 1937, the brothers worked closely to forge what became one of the most successful kitchen unit providers in the country.

The company moved from Knox Street to a modern, purpose-built building on Clare Street in 1970 as the Keane Kitchens brand continued to grow.

In 2003, Emmett Keane Jnr became the third generation to join the company, with Patrick joining shortly after.

The year 1968 saw the first fitted kitchen installed by the company. That year - all of 50 years ago – saw Paddy Murphy begin working with the firm, taking up employment on April 6.

Today Keane Kitchens boasts upwards of 20 staff, and is one of the town's most successful business enterprises - over 80 years a growing.

 

* Full story by Mike Byrne in this week's print edition