Ann bids goodbye to Penneys

Ann Hurley (front centre) celebrates her birthday and retirement from Penneys in Carlow with her work colleagues Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
EXCITEMENT was up to high doh on Thursday when a much-loved staff member did her final round of the shop floor in Penneys, Carlow after 21 years of service.

Ann Hurley was joined by management and staff to sashay the conga around the shop floor and out onto a memorial bench dedicated to the man, John Farrell, who hired her back in 2001.

All morning there were presents, cards, hugs and tears as customers dropped into the store in Hanover to say goodbye to their favourite shop assistant.
“Customers were coming in with cards and flowers for her, can you imagine? All week, the excitement was building, everyone was so excited. Ann gets on with everyone – it doesn’t matter whether you’re weekend staff, one of the cleaning team or management, Ann has time for everyone,” said her brother Kevin Timmons, who’s been working in Penneys for 30 years himself.

“Ann really was the life and soul of the shop. She is a very thoughtful, caring person. She tunes into everyone and is always upbeat and positive. She’s very much my big sister who I can turn to, she’s amazing!” Ann lives in Crossneen with her husband Paddy Hurley, who’s a postman in Carlow town, while her son Patrick is also a postman, married to Michelle Bolton. The couple have three children – Callum, Cody and Pippa – while Ann’s other son Mark is following in her footsteps by working in retail in Home Store + More in Carlow.

Ann decided to take retirement when she turned 65, so when the big day arrived on Thursday, she was ready for her new future.
“For her retirement, Ann says that she intends to sit back, relax and enjoy her grandchildren. And anything else that’s going on, count her in, she’ll be there,” said Kevin.
