‘We met people from all over the world’ - Fenit retiree Patrick

FRIENDS and family gathered at the West End Bar and Restaurant in Fenit recently where a special retirement party was held for Patrick King who said farewell to his lifelong job as a stevedore on Fenit Pier.

Patrick, a native of Fenit, worked for over 60 years loading and unloading ships from all around the world. He witnessed countless changes during his time.

“I started in 1955 and I saw a lot of changes for sure. Unlike now there was very little on the pier as it was purely functional, whereas it’s used mostly for leisure nowadays,” Patrick said.

Patrick recalls dealing with the priceless cargo of ships from the Middle East to northern Europe and he kept pace with the changes of the day as hand trucks, pallet trucks and forklifts gradually gave way to better technology. Patrick’s retirement brings to an end a proud family tradition as he took over from his father who also worked as a stevedore on the pier during the late 1800s.

“I enjoyed it and I met a lot of people down through the years. Unfortunately, many of the men I worked with have since passed away. It was a tough job and you had to have your wits about you doing it. I worked 16 hour days in all kinds of weather, wind and rain included.

“When I first started it was mostly coal, fertiliser, grain, and timber imports. But in later years it was all Liebherr products. I met people from all over the world doing the job and I enjoyed it.”

Patrick King, who recently retired from his job as a stevedore on Fenit Pier after 63 years. From left: Dan O’Keeffe (West End, Fenit), Patrick King and Patricia O’Mahony and Eileen King.