‘It’s all really meaningful’ for John celebrating 20 years with company

A TEMPLEOGUE man celebrated 20 years of working in building materials company Mak Fasteners in Tallaght last Thursday with a cake and a get-together with colleagues in the canteen.

John Byrne, 53, who has Down syndrome, secured his role two decades ago while being supported into employment by intellectual disability service Cheeverstown.

His role primarily centres on bagging nuts and bolts, and he works half days five-days-a-week and is dropped off to work every day by his proud parents Olive and Damien Byrne.

Jennifer Feeney, a community inclusion coach in Cheeverstown, told The Echo: “John’s there 20 years so it’s a good while for him, especially for someone with Down syndrome to be in a job that long.

“He goes in every day from Monday to Friday – he never misses a day – he gets on well with his colleagues, it’s all really meaningful for him.

“I call into John once a week just to check in on him and there’s never a problem and I talk to his manager [in Mak Fasteners] Anto Connolly.

“They’re delighted with John’s work, because the work he does takes a workload off others, and they’re delighted to have him on board as part of the team.”

Over the years, John has learned new skills and been trained in the use of various different machines, and he has become a valued part of the team.

The celebration of his 20-year work anniversary last week gave John’s colleagues the opportunity to show their appreciation for his work, and for him, his family and support staff to reflect on his achievements.

“I’m so proud of him,” added Jennifer, “because it’s so valuable for people with additional needs to be in jobs and John is really happy and content in Mak Fasteners and we’re all very proud of him.”