Mayo woman calls it a day after 50 years of loyal service at well-known company

THE year was 1975 and the dancehalls were still in full flight. For a young Rita O’Connell, you could say it was the year of the three K’s … Kiltimagh and the Coillte Come Home Festival, Kilkenny claiming the All-Ireland hurling with a win over Galway and a young Kerry seeing off Dublin in the football final.
Rita, who later married Jarlath Conway (a legendary Mayo supporter), took up a summer job in the office of her neighbour, Larry McEllin, who had shortly before that around 1973 embarked on his own business, Genfitt, at the family home in Greyfield, Kiltimagh. One of Larry’s first employees was Ambrose O’Connell and his brother Christy followed almost two years later.
After finishing secondary school, Rita undertook a commercial course in typing and shorthand at Kiltimagh VS, fondly known as ‘The Teck’, which was conducted by Mary Lee (nee McNicholas), wife of the genial George Lee, a member of the teaching profession and a proud Kilkenny man who made such a huge contribution to the life of Kiltimagh and Mayo over the years and who died in October 2023.
Rita officially took up her full-time appointment as the first office employee with Genfitt in September 1977 and thus began a special journey of great loyalty to this indigenous Kiltimagh company. Between Ambrose, Christy and Rita, they have rendered a combined total of 148 years service to the Genfitt Company!

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Rita saw various changes in office procedures with the passing of time. She fondly recalls the old black telephone which was at the core of the business for many years, taking calls from customers and placing orders with the company.
“The new advances in technology brought about major changes, especially in the last two decades. But the personal touch remained so important throughout all of that time. That is what people respond to best of all.
“The passing of Larry (McEllin) in Mayo of last year was something that impacted on all of us. He was the driving force behind the company from the outset and he gave great employment to many people from the general Kiltimagh and neighbouring areas down through the years,” said Rita at the weekend.
Kramp Ireland, who recently took over the Kiltimagh company, paid a special tribute to Rita as well as Ronan Egan as they bade farewell to two stalwart members last week: “Rita was a wonderful friend to many and she leaves behind a legacy of warmth, dedication, and positivity that touched everyone lucky enough to work with her.
“Ronan (Managing Director) joined Genfitt in 2006 and has played a key role in shaping the company into what it is today. A strong and supportive leader, his impact will be felt for years to come. You will both be deeply missed, and we wish you nothing but the very best in the next chapter,” said a spokesperson for the Genfitt/Kramp family.
Happy retirement, Rita, and may you enjoy good health and contentment in the times ahead.