GERALDINE RETIRES AFTER 31 YEARS AT HANLEY’S

A familiar face in Fermoy town retired last week after 31 years of serving the community from Hanley’s Newsagents on Pearse Square.

Geraldine O’Keeney stepped down from her position at the shop on Friday last and was greeted at the front door by friends, family and colleagues on her last day.

According to Justin Hanley, Geraldine is ‘one of the most amazing people we have ever had the pleasure of working with’.

‘Geraldine O’Keeney, your dedication, commitment and hard work is legendary. Your friendly smile, sense of humour and genuine ability to connect with everyone, young and old, is inspirational and will be everlasting in our minds’.

“You will be missed, never forgotton and always welcome here. I have no doubt that we will still call on your help and knowledge and we wish you will in your retirement,” Justin said.

As one of many longterm, valued employees at Hanley’s, Geraldine was thanked for her time and dedication to the local shop.

Living between Glanworth and Fermoy, Geraldine explained that she started working locally 31 years ago, beginning first at the Enterprise Board.

For some eight and a half years, she worked at the Enterprise Board and began working fulltime at Hanley’s on September 1, 2000.

“There’s been lots of change over the years and I’ve gotten to know a lot of people through Hanley’s. I’ve become good friends with a lot of the people coming in and out. They’re like my second family here,” Geraldine said.

ANY PLANS?

When asked what her plans for retirement are, Geraldine showed no signs of slowing down and still plans to be a familiar face in town.

“I’ll still be calling in and out often to say hello and see what’s happening. I can’t just switch off,” she said.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) LEFT: Friends, family and staff of M.J. Hanley’s in Fermoy pictured with Geraldine O’Keeney as she retired after 31 years of service on Thursday last.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) Geraldine O’Keeney pictured with Kathleen Mahon and Snezhana Hanley as they wished her well in her retirement.

Kay Mahon and Michael Hanley pictured with Geraldine O’Keeney at her recent retirement lunch.

(Photo: Katie Glavin) Justin Hanley and Geraldine O’Keeney pictured on her retirement from the local shop after 31 years.