Kylemore Abbey celebrates 50 years of service from maintenance veteran

Last Friday, July 18, a heartwarming celebration unfolded at the iconic Kylemore Abbey as family, friends, colleagues past and present, and members of the Benedictine Community gathered to honour a remarkable milestone: 50 years of dedicated service by Paddy Joe Joyce, Kylemore’s beloved maintenance operative.

For half a century, Paddy Joe has been the quiet force behind the daily operations of the historic Connemara estate. From the days when Kylemore functioned as a boarding school and summer guesthouse, through its transformation into one of Ireland’s top visitor destinations, Paddy Joe has remained a steady and trusted presence, working closely alongside the Benedictine nuns every step of the way.

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A native of the nearby seaside townland of Dawros, Paddy Joe is known not only for his incredible work ethic but for his characteristic West of Ireland humility. Speaking at the event, Paddy modestly remarked: “I just get up and go about my day.” But those who know him know better that his “day” might involve anything from repairing burst pipes to laying foundations for new buildings, from helping contractors navigate the sprawling Victorian estate to delivering post with a familiar smile and a bit of craic.

Friday’s celebration served as a touching tribute to the man who, for five decades, has gone above and beyond in quiet service, always obliging, always diligent. With no plans to hang up his tools just yet, Paddy Joe’s colleagues are grateful that his presence and his wisdom will continue to be part of daily life at Kylemore for the foreseeable future.