More than six decades of hat and cap manufacturing in Castlebar, Co Mayo, came to an end yesterday after 13 workers at the Hats of Ireland facility received their pay cheques for the last time.
At one time the plant, which was originally staffed by Jewish refugees at the start of the second World War, had 300 employees and was a mainstay of local employment.
SIPTU official Mr Tommy Ginley said yesterday the job losses were regrettable, and marked the end of a truly historic era in Castlebar. However, he said the workers who were leaving have received one of the best redundancy deals in Co Mayo for some time.
Mr Tom Ketterick, who worked in the Hats of Ireland factory in Castlebar since 1939, wearing one of the company's hats at his home in Ballina, Co Mayo, last night. Photograph: Keith Heneghan/ Phocus.