PICTURE: Popular Tipperary supervisor retires after sixteen years' service to community

On Thursday evening, February 27, a large crowd assembled in The Stand, Roscrea, to say a fond farewell to Paddy Reidy, Supervisor of Roscrea Community Employment Forum.

The group consisted of past and present members of the workforce as well as representatives of the thirteen sponsor groups and members of the management committee. Refreshments were served and memories of participation in the scheme over the years were shared.

In his address to the group, Chairman Steve Crofton recalled Paddy’s sixteen years of service to the community.

He outlined some of the various projects undertaken by the group under Paddy’s leadership.

He recalled how the scheme changed over the years from a FÁS one to its current role – under the FÁS system participants were given an experience of work only; whereas under the current scheme participants’ wishes to further their skills are considered with various training programmes being offered.

This is also reinforced with placements in various businesses as a work experience.

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The Chairman stated that it was a credit to Paddy that many participants went on to enter the workforce, often with some of the businesses in which they trained, following their exit from the scheme.

"The community owes Paddy a great deal of debt. We want to wish him a long and healthy retirement."

In response, Paddy outlined some memories from his time as Supervisor.

These consisted of various group outings and seasonal breakfasts together with recalling social day-to-day interactions between group participants, including himself.

While tall tales of “The Perfect Picker” a phantom horse that never ran and the official first and only “Chain Gang” in Roscrea received riotous applause, Paddy was very complementary to the Management Committee.

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He stated that the monthly meetings between the Supervisor and the Management Committee was the secret of the scheme’s success.

He welcomed his replacement Sharon Rowland to the scheme and stated that it was in good hands and wished her every success for the future.

The Chairman then presented Paddy with a wallet of notes on behalf of the scheme and wished him well for the future.