‘Mary just loves her job and all the staff are really kind’

A MILESTONE takes place this week for a major “ray of light” in the community.

Mary Kearney will be 50 on February 13, but she also recently celebrated 25 years working for Tesco in Ballyfermot.

Born with down syndrome, Mary initially started in Tesco’s on work experience.

She loved the job and camaraderie with staff so much, that when a permanent position came up, Mary was delighted to accept the role, and has been there ever since.

“Mary just loves her job and all the staff are really kind to her, always helping her and looking out for her,” said Angela Kearney, Mary’s sister.

“If they didn’t pay her, she would still work.”

Everyone in the area knows Mary, her smile and good humour a source of comfort for anyone she encounters.

“Everyone knows her, and she is such a good hard worker,” said Angela.

Mary Kearney

Mary, from Spiddal Road, has three sisters and two brothers.

She went to school at St John of God’s Islandbridge, and after school, she completed a number of short courses at local college and educational institutions.

St John of God helped Mary to secure work experience at Tescos, and she has flourished at the supermarket, but also leads a very outgoing and social life.

Angela continued: “Mary has a busy life and like all young ladies, loves to go clothes shopping and on holidays abroad. She is a member of a dance/fitness class which we have been going to for a few years. She recently won a special award in Blackpool Tower for being a ‘ray of light’ to everyone and received a lovely glass trophy for it.

“Mary just loves life and sees things her own way which is great. She’s never in bad form, always brings a smile to people’s faces and is the life of any party. All her achievements over the years and holding down a job for 25 years deserves recognition. She is a great sister and I hope she has many more happy years of working and enjoying her life.”