Ireland's Oldest McDonald's Worker Honoured as Cork Person of the Month
Those who are regulars to McDonald's in Douglas will be no stranger to Thelma Beltran, named Cork Person of the Month for 25 years of exceptional service.
Thelma Beltran, a 62-year-old grandmother who has worked at McDonald's Douglas for 25 years, has been named Cork Person of the Month for January in recognition of her exceptional dedication, kindness and infectious positivity.
Originally from the Philippines, Thelma arrived in Cork in 2001 and joined the Douglas restaurant as a crew member. In the quarter-century since, she has become a beloved figure in the locality, serving countless families and becoming a familiar, welcoming face to the people of Douglas and beyond.
Now a Customer Experience Leader, Thelma moves between front counter and customer care roles, where she is highly regarded by staff and customers alike for her hard work and infectious positivity. Despite being 62, she has no plans to retire.
Thelma Beltran, Customer Experience Leader, McDonald's Douglas:
"I love my job. Being part of a great team, getting to know the people of Douglas and helping make our customers' days that little bit special is really satisfying. I plan to keep working here as long as I'm enjoying it, and hopefully that's for many more years."
Jim Ronayne, McDonald's Douglas franchisee, described Thelma's work ethic and dedication to providing exceptional customer service as incredible, saying that the team have been incredibly lucky to have her as a colleague and friend for 25 years.
Manus O'Callaghan, Awards Organiser:
"Thelma's commitment to putting smiles on people's faces and providing exceptional service is outstanding. For 25 years, she has been a constant, positive presence in Douglas and has welcomed thousands of people through the doors of McDonald's. Her journey, leaving her home country to build a life here and embed herself so seamlessly in the local community is inspiring. She's a really worthy winner of this Cork Person of the Month Award."
Thelma's name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the Annual Gala Awards Lunch in January 2027.
The award was presented at The Metropole Hotel, with representatives from McDonald's Douglas, Cork Crystal and AM O'Sullivan PR in attendance.
