Man who kept town park in shape retires after 44 years
Regular users of Mullingar Town Park will appreciate how well kept it is, but not everyone knows that Joe Boyce is the person responsible for that.
The Ballynacargy man has now retired from Westmeath County Council after 44 years of service, the last five of which Joe spent full-time looking after the park.
Joe’s final day was last Friday, and he told the Westmeath Examiner that keeping the park in top condition is nearly a 24/7 job for him and colleagues, supervisor Aidan Gilhooley and the outdoor staff.
“It’s not just a case of come in once a week or once a day, it’s a lot of work. During the summer it’s a busy spot.
“First thing in the morning, we empty the bins, then it’s the grass – moving, strimming, weeding – and there’s winter maintenance too.”
Asked for a standout memory, Joe said gaining the Green Flag for the town park was a major achievement when it was awarded in 2015 and then retaining it four years in a row.
Murty Hanly, executive engineer for Mullingar Municipal District at Westmeath County Council, paid tribute to Joe’s work in the context of the Green Flag.
“One of the most important things about the park, in relation to the Green Flag, is the fact that Joe is here all the time – he has a presence.
“When it comes to keeping on top of litter, and the mowing, and seeing things, if there’s something damaged, he’s there, he sees it and reacts to it.
“What’s also very important is that he has such an interest in it. He takes pride in it, it’s like his own garden and that was important in relation to winning the Green Flag and retaining it.”
Aidan Gilhooley said it was a pleasure to have worked with Joe, “for his commitment to the work – it’s handy for us that we didn’t have to come in here often, because we know Joe’s here and the job was done”.
“It will be hard to replace him now.”
Paul McCool, district engineer for the Mullingar District, said it was a sad day for the council with Joe retiring.
“Joe stayed on an extra year for us, he could have retired last year. But I’m delighted that Joe’s leaving in such good health and wish him all the best in his retirement.”