Longtime McDonald’s Employee with Down Syndrome Retires After 25 Years
October 25, 2024
This uplifting story hails from Coleraine, Northern Ireland.
Philip Waring, a dedicated employee at McDonald’s in Coleraine, Ireland, has announced his retirement after a remarkable 25 years of service. Known for his congenial presence and diligent upkeep of the restaurant, Philip, who has Down syndrome, has been a cherished team member.
Credit: Presbyterian Church in Ireland / Facebook
This week, a farewell celebration was held in his honor, attended by friends, family, and colleagues who gathered to express their gratitude for his loyal service.
Philip started his journey with McDonald’s back in 1999. He lived just ten minutes away from the restaurant, residing in a housing scheme supported by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) designed for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Francis Mooney, part of PCI’s management team, commended Philip’s dedication and consistency. In an interview, he remarked, “Not only did he start his work placement in McDonald’s 25 years ago, but Philip maintained it for over half his life, with very few days off for any reason. Simply put, he is a gentleman.”
Credit: Presbyterian Church in Ireland / Facebook
Philip expressed his gratitude for the farewell gathering, stating, “It was a lovely party, and my dad and sister Stephanie came, and some people who I hadn’t seen for a while came in specially. It was lovely, and thank you to my boss, Paul, for the party, as it was very special. I will miss everyone.”
The Coleraine community shares mixed feelings about his departure, acknowledging Philip’s warm heart, dedication, and positive influence over the years.
