Ireland's longest serving McDonald's worker is Cork Person of the Month

A customer experience leader at the McDonald’s restaurant in Douglas, who is the company’s oldest worker in Ireland, has been named Cork Person of the Month for January.

Originally from the Philippines, Thelma Beltran arrived in Cork in 2001 and joined the Douglas team as a crew member. In the 25 years since, she has become a popular figure in the locality.

Ms Beltran, 62, says she loves working and has no plans to retire.

“I love my job,” she said. “Being part of a great team, getting to know the people of Douglas, and helping make our customers’ days that little bit special is really satisfying. I plan to keep working here as long as I’m enjoying it, and hopefully that’s for many more years.”

Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan said: “Thelma’s commitment to putting smiles on people’s faces and providing exceptional service is outstanding.

“Her journey, leaving her home country to build a life here and embed herself so seamlessly in the local community, is inspiring. She’s a really worthy winner.”