Move over Bill Cullen and all the prospective apprentices – Kilmacthomas has a successful businesswoman capable of showing anyone what it takes to run a thriving business.
The list of successful Irish businesswomen such as Gillian Bowler, Celia Holman Lee and Jackie Lavin, can now add the name of Bridie Griffin to its ranks.
At the age of 89, Bridie continues to work in the family business, Griffin’s Garden Machinery in Kilmacthomas.
As part of Age Action’s Positive Ageing Week, Bridie will feature in an RTÉ documentary this week, “Coming of Age – Working Nine to Ninety”, which tells the stories of six senior citizens still gainfully employed.
Not only does Bridie work five days a week at the garage, which sells fuel along with garden machinery, she also works Saturdays as well.
“I fill the petrol if they’re busy, and I do whatever needs to be done around,” she said.
She believes it’s important to retain a daily routine.
“I couldn’t stay inside in the house all day. I always have something else to do, I’m thinking about what I need to do next. It’s a great way to be, because there’s never a dull moment.”
Getting up at 7am every morning, Bridie attends 9.30am Mass each day.
She does her shopping afterwards, and then carries out some household chores.
There’s no such thing as daytime TV for Bridie, as she then heads to the garage where her sons work, and where she helps out for the rest of the day.
Finishing work at half five, she prepares dinner at home, and, at the end of a long day, allows herself some time to unwind.
She enjoys watching her favourite soaps, and is also an avid reader, especially enjoying Maeve Binchy novels.
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