Donegaldaily.com has had numerous emails and messages.
This one came from Ethel McGarvey, late of these parts, and now living in America.
We thought you should see it in full:
By Ethel McGarvey:
I worked in Oatfield for only six years, I started there at 15 years old. Oh God we had some fun in that place and I was so disappointed when I heard so many people were laid off a few years ago and now that it’s closing I am in disbelief.
I now live in The Philadelphia area and I remember meeting Bert Davidson (pictured) in his office when I handed in my notice. I told him my husband wanted to emigrate to America, and I did not want to go.
Mr Davidson told me to go and enjoy it. He said it would be an experience of a lifetime, and if I came back to Letterkenny to come and see him and he would get me my job back. I will never forget that.
I often think of Oatfields. There is an Irish coffee shop in this area and they sell Oatfield sweets and we had Emeralds in this house over Christmas.
I was back in Letterkenny three years ago and I called to the office to see if I could take my kids in for a tour, as I remember the bus loads walking through the factory when I worked there. I was told they don’t do tours any more, I was so disappointed.
My sister who worked in the factory for years before me then came back there when I was there and told me about people’s hours being cut and layoffs, I was shocked, I never would of thought this was the road Oatfield would go down.
I remember people being hired there every week. I met my one of my best friends there, she started the day before me. I have many memories in that place from the 5lber to the rolls machine, the muliti-pack and the dreaded lift.
But I would not change any of it. I feel so bad for the workers, I know a few of them very well. I wish them good luck with everything.
Ethel McGarvey, Philadelphia.
Reaction from Bert Davidson’s daughter Joan is below:
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