McDonald’s celebrates 20-year milestone of beloved Mayo team member Patrina Flynn

Staff at McDonald’s in Mayo are celebrating a major milestone for one of their most familiar faces – crew member Patrina Flynn, who has just marked 20 years on the team.

Patrina (44), who has learning disabilities, has worked at the Castlebar restaurant three days a week, four hours a day, since joining in February 2005.

Two decades later, she is a key part of day-to-day operations, demonstrating that disability need not be a barrier to a long and successful career.

“I love my job and it makes me proud to do it,” Patrina said.

“I look forward to going in every day to do my work and to help whoever I can along the way.

“I never want to retire.”

Patrina, who has what her family describe as “literacy challenges”, is now regarded as one of the restaurant’s most experienced employees.

“I work in the front area of the restaurant, assisting customers with ordering through the kiosk machines and bringing orders to tables,” she said.

“I also bring orders out to cars that have visited the Drive Thru and have been asked to wait.

“I keep the area clean and tidy and I help customers get seats when it’s very busy, especially elderly people.”

Clear instructions, small adjustments and predictable routines have enabled Patrina to thrive, while bosses insist that her presence has reinforced the value of inclusive employment by showing how simple supports can offer long-term opportunities for people with special needs.

Educated at St Anthony’s Special School in Castlebar, Patrina later attended Rehab Care, a training centre, where staff worked with Employability Mayo to help her find a part-time job.

“I still go to the training centre as well as work,” she said.

“I like learning new things and doing the online courses. It keeps me going.”

Her sister Elaine Guilfoyle said the job has been transformational for Patrina.

“Patrina has literacy challenges and she can’t read,” Elaine said.

“But that has never been a problem when it comes to working at McDonald’s.

“She’s just such a warm and bubbly person who’s like a magnet – she just sticks to everybody.

“People don’t treat her for the disability she has; they look at her ability.”

The family connection has now extended to a second generation: Patrina’s niece Kate (17), has also joined the Castlebar crew, working after school for the past six months.

In 2006, Patrina, a talented sportswoman, represented Ireland in bowling at the Special Olympics in Belfast, returning with medals from several events.

The Castlebar native also currently volunteers at special needs bowling sessions in the local alley.

“I got into bowling through Rehab Care,” she said.

“My training centre used to take us to the bowling alley.

“Someone saw potential in me and that’s how it all started.”

To mark her 20 years’ service, the Castlebar restaurant recently held an in-store celebration, supported by Employability Mayo, which produced a short video charting her career.

For Patrina, the future looks bright.

She said: “I just want to keep doing what I do – helping people, talking to them, making sure they’re all right. That’s what makes me happy.”