Tipperary man cycles to former factory to commemorate 60 years since first shift

Seán Shanahan of Drom and Inch decided to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his first shift in the Erin Foods factory in Thurles by cycling the distance to where the factory once stood.

Seán cycled to his first shift in Erin Foods at 3pm on August 12 1974, and to honour the occasion, he got back in the saddle and went back to where his working life in Erin Foods began.

This is the second time Seán has undertaken this journey, also commemorating the 50th anniversary on August 12 2014.

Speaking on his time in the factory, Seán said his working life was very enjoyable, and he made many great friends there: “I met some great friends, great work-mates, and if you were reasonable with them, they’d be 100% with you.”

“When I came in, there were possibly 200 working here, and it was absolutely great,” he said.

“I enjoyed every minute of it. We had some sport. It was a joy to work in it,” he added.

He reflected on his time in the factory, saying that he was very sad to see the factory close and be torn down, and took a moment of reflection to remember all of the friends he had in the factory who have passed away over the years.

He wished to express his thanks to his neighbour, Denis Bourke, who helped him in getting in to the factory back in 1974, as he said in those days, people would generally follow in the footsteps of their fathers, or rely on some type of familial connection to get these types of jobs, and so he says he is eternally grateful to Denis for his help in getting his start with Erin Foods.

Seán was joined by members of his family, Kate, Áine and Tara McElgunn after completing his cycle, all of whom were delighted to celebrate the moment with him.