Four women at McDonald’s Waterford are celebrating a combined 120 years’ service.
Mary Shanahan, Alice Hennessy, Margaret Keating and Mary Murphy - who call themselves the ’Golden Girls’ - are each marking 30 years with the restaurant this year.
Their big anniversary signifies three decades apiece in a workplace that opened the door to a wide circle of friends and gave them all a real sense of belonging.
For Crew Member Mary Shanahan, the job was intended to be a three-month trial.
She joined in September 1996, after the Spring Garden Alley Workshop organisation (which supports people with intellectual disabilities) approached Franchisee Joe Byrne about a few hours of part-time work.
What began as a short placement soon became something more permanent.
Three decades later, Mary, who’s adored by colleagues, has no intention of going anywhere.
She mainly works in the back room, keeping areas clean and stocked, sanitising equipment, washing cloths and looking after the timers.
Alice Hennessy’s McDonald’s story also began in 1996.
She was inspired by her sister Liz, who was already working part-time as a Shift Manager.
Alice applied for evening work so that, when her husband was at home with their children, she could head out for her own shifts.
She soon became one of the restaurant’s ’Golden Girls’, four women who started and worked together.
Alice can turn her hand to every chore, from washing the fry station and cleaning grills to adapting to the arrival of new technology.
Now known affectionately as the ’Drive-Thru Queen’, Alice’s daughters have worked there part-time and she’s also regarded as a grandmother figure by many of the crew.
Margaret Keating joined in September 1996 while completing a secretarial course at Presentation Secondary School.
She initially worked part-time, keeping the job after finishing her course and taking an office role elsewhere.
But when an administrative assistant position came up at McDonald’s, Margaret went for it.
The interview test involved typing a letter dictated by Franchisee Joe Byrne, which she said was ”no easy task, given his handwriting”.
Margaret got the job, later trained as a Shift Manager, completed a course and delivered training to crew and managers.
She credits the job’s flexibility with giving her the ”perfect work-life balance”, which is why several members of her family - including her sister, nieces and nephews - have also worked at the restaurant, with another generation already waiting to apply when they turn 16.
Mary Murphy, the fourth member of the quartet to reach the 30-year landmark, began as a Crew Member and has since progressed to Shift Leader and Second Assistant.
She said she has worked with dedicated and talented people over the years in both Waterford restaurants, adding that it has been ”a lot of fun”.
Her career progression reflects her commitment to the business and she’s a friendly face to customers and colleagues alike.
Joe Byrne said the four women had each brought their own character and loyalty to McDonald’s Waterford.
“They have given their all to this restaurant for 30 years and have helped make it the welcoming place it is,” he said.
“Mary, Alice, Margaret and Mary are very much part of its heart.
“We are enormously proud of them and grateful for the care they show their colleagues and customers every day.”
