French students sample working life in Mullingar

Gregory Gaborieau from Nantes, one of a small group of students working in Mullingar in recent weeks, enjoyed his time at Tom Bermingham Menswear, he told the Westmeath Examiner.

Gregory organised to have his colleague Thomas Buisson, who was working at EuroGiant, drop in to the men’s clothing shop for a photo and a chat last Thursday (see photo).

The lads are doing a BTS MUC IFACOM, which they said is the equivalent of a HND, in sales and management.

“It has been good experience,” said Gregory. “I’ve been helping customers, selling the clothing, and preparing the displays – merchandising.”

Gerard Greene, shop manager, and proprietor Tom Bermingham said Gregory has also been running errands for them, taking clothes to be altered, calling to Delia at the Spiced Bean and to Fraynes for buns and lunch.

“Muggs is fluent in French now,” quipped Gerard.

After work the students sampled the night life in the town, though they admitted their limitations in language when it came to wooing the local girls.

They stayed in apartments at Kerrigan’s and enjoyed a pint of Guinness there, as well as a visit to Mojo’s.

Mr Bermingham said he enjoys having students working in the shop and hosts some every year, from France and from Wilson’s Hospital School.

“The customers like them,” he said, “it’s great to have them around, it’s something a bit different.”