Customers want more as Martin serves his last at the Green Café

EVEN though the mercury was tipping a sizzling 30 degrees last Friday, it did not deter Martin Sheill from dishing up his trademark finger licking food on what was his final day working at his Green Café in Roskeen.

Martin’s Roadside Diner has been a catering landmark locally for the past 18 years, providing breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for many farmers, silage contractors, truckers and passing motorists on the busy N72 Killarney to Mallow route.

Regular customers are sad to see Martin go. Ballyclough native Dan Joe Ryan, who has been eating in the Green Cafe everyday for the past 18 years, said that he will miss Martin’s fine dinners and daily chats.

Originally from Dublin, Martin has lived in Banteer for many years. He trained at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin and worked in several hotels in the UK and Ireland prior to setting up at Roskeen in 2000.

Martin told the Corkman that he will miss the company and the banter with his customers but is looking forward to enjoying his retirement now. Both Martin and his family sincerely thank all the people who gave cards and gifts, and extended good wishes to him on his retirement.

You wouldn’t get it at The Gresham:

Above: Martin Sheill celebrating with his family on the day he retired from manning the Green Café in Roskeen. Right: Martin Sheill who retired last week working on his final day at the Green Café in Roskeen.