Rathfarnham grandmother retires at grand old age of 80

Tommy Hickey

A SOUTHSIDE grandmother has finally stepped down from her job at a clothes shop at the extraordinary age of 80.

Marie O’Hanlon retired from Deeor Boutique in Nutgrove Shopping Centre after three decades working as a shop assistant.

The Rathfarnham native initially only took the job because it was down the road, but got on so well she ended up staying for 30 years.

“When I started to work there, I really liked it,” Marie reflected. “The staff were nice and we all got on.

“Latterly I only did two days a week. A lot of staff has come and gone but I made loads of friends. I thought if I got to 80 and I was well, I would retire then. You have to make your mind up at a certain time.”

Marie said she appreciated having worked in a relatively small shopping centre.

“There’s nice shops in Nutgrove,” she added, “it’s a very personal place. A lot of customers get to know you by name. Dundrum is huge and you wouldn’t get the same customer service.”

The world of work has been transformed over the last few decades, Marie feels, and the clothing industry has been no exception.

“Everything in the fashion business has changed really,” explained Marie. “There’s much more competition. People’s tastes are always evolving, and since the last recession they don’t spend as much as they did. Generally, business isn’t the way it used to be.”

Having clocked out for the final time last Tuesday, Marie is looking forward to having more time to herself.

“I really haven’t any plans at the minute,” she added. “But I’m going to relax and enjoy and take things as they come. We’ll see what happens. My family are reared now and I’ve grandchildren. I’ll be able to do different things.”