A remarkable milestone was celebrated in style at a grand banquet held at Westport House, as Kathleen O'Malley bid farewell to us after an extraordinary 50 years of service. Surrounded by her family and colleagues, Kathleen was honoured for her commitment and contribution to the success of the Portwest company.
The evening's festivities was lead by a heartfelt tribute from director Owen Hughes, who had the privilege of working alongside Kathleen for over 35 years. Speaking passionately about her indelible impact on the company, Owen acknowledged Kathleen's unwavering loyalty and her ability to adapt to the ever-evolving business landscape.
He recalled how Kathleen started with Irish Sewing in 1971 which became part of the Hughes group. She was one of the first people in Westport to be trained in computer systems after attending an IBM course in Dublin the 70’s. At the time all accounting was done manually, and Kathleen had an amazing capacity to manage and reconcile accounts without the use of software systems and led the way adapting to the advances of technology which transformed the process of accounting for businesses.
"Kathleen has been the embodiment of dedication and loyalty over the past half-century," expressed Owen. "She has witnessed and embraced numerous transformations in our industry, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the success and growth of Charles Hughes Ltd. (Portwest). By completing 50 years' service Kathleen joins an elite group that includes Charles Hughes (Founder), Jack Kenny, Padraig Hughes, Peter Gavin, Michael Kelly, and Johnny Gallagher.
Gracious and humble, Kathleen expressed her profound gratitude to the Hughes family and her colleagues for their support and camaraderie throughout her career.
She paid a special tribute to Owen Hughes who she worked closely with thanking him for his kindness, help and advice over the years.
Reflecting on the journey, she reminisced about the good times and the hard times shared, the lifelong friends made, creating lasting memories that will forever be cherished.
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I've had during my time at Charles Hughes (Portwest),". Kathleen also paid tribute to her good friends Ann Goonan (Gibbons), Patricia Geraghty (Lally) Mary Keane (Morrison) and Rita Reilly (Kearney) RIP who she met in 1971 when they started working together at Irish Sewing. Anne & Patricia were in attendance on the night to celebrate with Kathleen.
Kathleen's retirement marks the end of an era at Charles Hughes (Portwest), but her legacy will undoubtedly endure. Her unwavering dedication, adaptability, and warm spirit have left an indelible imprint on the company and all those fortunate enough to have worked alongside her.
As Kathleen embarks on a new chapter in her life, the Portwest family wishes her health and happiness in her retirement.
L to R: Ciaran O’Malley, Kathleen O’Malley, Padraig O’Malley
L to R: Harry Hughes, Owen Hughes, Kathleen O’Malley, Cathal Hughes
L to R: Owen Hughes, Kathleen O’Malley, Rachel Davoren
L to R: Bridie Flynn, Kathleen O’Malley, Jennifer Mac Nally
L to R: Linda Newman, Francis Keane, Kathleen O’Malley, Eimear O’Neill, Mary Kelly, Eileen Walsh
L to R: Patricia Lally, Kathleen O’Malley, Ann Gibbons
L to R: Toni Magill, Eimear Kelly, Kathleen O’Malley, Ger Brady, Rachel Davoren, Margaret O’Malley
L to R: Craig Reardon, Kathleen O’Malley, Tomas Geraghty, Martin Foran
L to R :Mary Gallagher, Kathleen O’Malley, Johnny Gallagher
