A 96 year old man has told Newstalk that he has no plans to give up his day job.

Tom Monaghan founded Monaghans Cashmere in Dublin on 1st October 1960 - just a few months after he got married - and over six decades later he still enjoys working there:

“I think I will live as long as God leaves me my strength and if the business is here, I’ll be here!” Tom told Lunchtime Live. 

The reasons behind the decision are twofold; firstly he loves the business and he also believes work is good for a person’s health: 

“A lot of my friends have gone. But those that are remaining, I tell them, ‘Don’t give up the day job’,” Tom said.  

“You might cut back a bit but don’t give up the day job. 

“Keep the limbs moving and the brain as sharp as you can.”

The business, located on Dublin’s St Anne’s Street, does a roaring trade selling luxury clothing to both tourists and Dubliners alike. However, it wasn’t always like that; the early days weren’t easy but Tom says they were some of the happiest of his life: 

“It was a challenge, [they were] difficult days… We thought they were tough - and they were tough!

"But we still got through them and it was a very happy time of my life anyway.” 

Tom believes that one of the most satisfying things about growing a business over many years, is that you build up a loyal customer base: 

“They tell us, ‘My Mam or Granny bought a sweater here 25 years ago and my mother here says that’s the best jacket and pick out a couple of nice sweaters and ship them off.’”

Family

And although Tom is less hands on than he used to be, his daughter Suzanne makes sure he visits the shop every day: 

“I show up but I don’t play the game... I show up but the work I can do now is very limited,” he said.

“Because I have difficulty with my hearing and I also have poor vision. 

“Suzanne picks up around 9 o’clock and she brings me home in the evening.” 

Suzanne worked in the shop growing up and a few years ago she came back as a full time member of staff. She says she and Tom work well together: 

“We wouldn’t have it any other way, I can keep an eye on him when he’s here.” 

“Most of the time [we get on] but we have a rule that when we close the door at six o’clock it’s left there.”

Main image: Tom Monaghan stands proudly outside his shop. Picture by: Monaghans Cashmere.