A FATHER and son milk delivery family from Ballybrack are to appear on a commemorative Premier Milk 50th anniversary carton in recognition of their 50 years serving the community.
Tom Gaskin Snr started his milk round in 1966, delivering glass bottles from a milk float on behalf of Premier Dairies.
Originally hailing from Glasthule and now living in Ballybrack, the Gaskins have been delivering milk to the doorsteps of Monkstown, Glenageary and Sallynoggin area now for 50 years.
Growing up in the Gaskin household, conversations about the job of a milkman were a daily occurrence.
The highs and lows of the nocturnal hours, the weather, and ensuring their local customers got the best service, were routine discussions around the dinner table.
It was those daily discussions and his father’s pride in the business that ensured that Tom Jnr took an interest from an early age.
Tom Jnr then joined his father in the family business in 1988 and eventually took over the milkround when his father retired recently.
Tom Gaskin Jnr, like many other milkmen, was keen to see the milk delivery business adapt to modern times.
“When I took over the family business Mymilkman.ie didn’t exist but I always thought it would be brilliant to bring some kind of modern innovation to the service, especially as many people didn’t know there was a local milkman in their area,” he said.
“Now it’s really easy to find a milkman that delivers in your area as you can use the website to find one and arrange a delivery.
“Some people are surprised that the milkman still exists but in many ways I think it is more relevant today than ever, especially as people are so busy – it makes perfect sense to avail of the service.”
Tom’s hard work is paying off as the milk round is continually growing and signing up new customers through MyMilkman.ie. However, the greatest honour for the family came recently when they were asked to appear on Premier Milk’s commemorative milk carton to celebrate its 50th year in business.
The Gaskin’s story and their image will appear on the commemorative cartons in recognition of their outstanding service.
“We couldn’t believe it when we were asked, we are so honoured,” said Thomas Snr. “The family has been involved with Premier Milk since its early days but we never thought we would appear on the very cartons that we deliver. It’s a great honour for the family and definitely a story for the grandkids.”