‘I have loved every part of the job’ after more than 40 years
By Maurice Garvey
A RETIREMENT party was held for Pat Mockler, who spent over 40 years working with Dublin Corporation and South Dublin County Council.
For the last 20 years, the Clondalkin resident was based in County Hall, Tallaght, headquarters of SDCC.
The Mockler family celebrate Pat’s retirement (from left) – Ian and Leona, Gareth and Brenda, Carol with Pat, Kieran and Elaine, Jason and Dee
In his role as Foreman of Works, it was his job to keep the large building running, which employs over 700 people.
“I know every nook and cranny,” said the grandfather of 9, who has been married to Carol for 43 years and has four children.
“It is a huge building, a lot of maintenance, especially the older side. There was an extension about 15 years ago, but the older side has started to come into maintenance the last couple of years.
“It has all been brought right up to standard, and further projects are in the pipeline which I won’t be around for.
There is a massive lighting project in place, from fluorescent to LED. In the main canteen, the light fittings have been reduced by one-third, but nobody can tell the difference, and it is cost-effective.”
Maintenance Works oversee not just County Hall, but the Civic offices in Clondalkin, local authority libraries, Rua Red and the Civic Theatre, where they recently repaired a leak at the Civic Theatre.
“If the council own it, it is up to us to fix it,” said Mr Mockler.
He continued: “I have loved every part of the job. The interaction with staff. Any new staff, they are so welcoming and supportive.
The comradeship even spilled from one department to the other. At one stage I knew everyone by name. I would still know the first names of a lot of younger people who have joined over the years.”
A keen handyman and golfer with Grange Castle, Pat is looking forward to retirement and continuing his involvement in the council’s golf society.
“I’m enjoying it immensely. I have a bit of work to do at home, floors to be put down and the living room and dining room decorated. You are never done working in a house.”
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