A sweet visit to Sugar Factory stalwart ‘Esso’ Walker

OPTICIAN Bernard Jennings was in touch to say: “Paul, as you are doing that Sugar Factory workers talk next month in the Seven Oaks, you should nip out to Killerig Nursing Home and meet Tommy ‘Esso’ Walker. He celebrated his 90th birthday recently and would love to talk about the 35 years he put in there.” 

I took him up on this and I headed out to meet up with Tommy. I had phoned ahead, and the receptionist who answered said “come along – he would love to see you. We’re having an afternoon party for our residents and there’ll be plenty of goodies”. 

That offer was hard for my sweet tooth to say no to.

When I arrived, a member of staff met me and brought me to meet him. “Tommy, we have your visitor.” 

“Come in,” he said. “Who have we here?” 

I introduced myself. “Ah, sure I knew your mother Breda Carr from the Workman’s … a lovely lady. God be good to her.” 

Sure, we were instant companions then.

He was lying on top of the bed, chilled out. I had brought out a selection of old images of his former work colleagues and he went through so many names as I grappled for my pen and note pad, scribbling them down as he listed them out.

The book of photos, I said, was a gift and he could hold on to it. We chatted about his long years of service, mentioning his old friend Johnny Mulhall, who would be out later on, and they would go through the book in detail. I scribbled my number into it.

I wanted to get a photo of him then. Perfect timing, as two members of staff came in as Tom wanted to get into his wheelchair.

“Will you get me sitting up. Make sure my glasses are straight or Ber Jennings will be annoyed.” 

 The two staff were so good with him. I took a few photos and then we headed to the party area.

Tommy’s wife Betty was also there, with a coloured Hawaiian ‘hula-thing’ around her neck, seated along with his son, younger ‘Esso’, christened Paul. His daughters Mary, Patricia and Margaret were at the party, too. Mary had travelled from Nashville in the USA. Tom and Betty’s grandchildren also came along ‒ Kim, Stephanie, Bethany and Jodie. Even Bella the pet dog was there, seeking most of the attention.

Tommy was born in 1935, served his trade as a fitter with Pratts of Shillelagh, then did a few years in the copper mines of Avoca before starting work in Carlow Sugar Factory in 1963. He worked his 35 years in the sugar factory machinery trade as a yard fitter.

I was there a good hour, loaded with sandwiches and tasties. A lovely afternoon, good people, some sun, sticky creamy cakes, shrubs and greenery.