All Good News

Beloved McDonald's Employee With Down Syndrome Retires After 25 Years Of Service

October 25, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

After 25 years of dedication and hard work at McDonald's in Coleraine, Ireland, Philip Waring, a beloved employee with Down syndrome, has retired.

Credit: Presbyterian Church in Ireland / Facebook

Philip, 52, has been a friendly face at the restaurant, known for his unwavering commitment to keeping the space spotless and welcoming for both customers and staff. This week, friends, family, and colleagues gathered to celebrate his incredible service with a heartfelt farewell party.

Philip first joined McDonald's in 1999, finding a short ten-minute commute from his home at a Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) supported housing scheme, a community for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Reflecting on Philip's impact, Francis Mooney of PCI’s management team said, “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 shared his joy about the gathering, saying, “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."

His retirement is a bittersweet moment for the Coleraine community, who have come to know and admire Philip's dedication, positivity, and kindness.