Leitrim Observer stalwart Frankie retires after 47 years of service

It was an end of the era for the Leitrim Observer as a much-valued colleague retired after almost half a centuy of service.

Friday last, 18 October marked the end of an era for local man, Frankie Smith.

Frankie started work in the Leitrim Observer offices, St George's Terrace on 24 April, 1978 where proprietor Greg Dunne offered him a 4-year apprenticeship as a Compositor/Type Setter, attending Bolton Street College of Technology (now TU Dublin).

On finishing college he became a Linotype Operator and later worked in the Photocomposing Dept.

In all he spent 26 years spent working on St George's Tce where the paper was printed on an 8-page Duplex Printing Machine up until 1987 when the rollers ran for the last time and the new Photocomposing system was introduced.

“It was a big change for the staff but we welcomed a new, bright and cleaner copy and paste system”.

He spent 15 years at offices in Hartley Business Park on Leitrim Road and 5 years in Murtagh's Courtyard, site of the old Murtagh's House of Fashion where Gerry Murtagh offered him his first job in the Footwear Dept.
As Frankie says “Some might say I was back where I started.”
His parents Tommie and Kathleen ran a successful pub and supermarket business on Main Street from where he would set out each morning on his 5 minute walk to work on the Terrace.

“You would know everyone you met on the way down the street, all going to their various jobs in town.”

“As a broadsheet our first full colour paper was 2010 before going tabloid in 2013. When I first started the paper was 16 pages broadsheet and it is now 72 page tabloid”.

“Today, the paper is completely computerised and you can plug in your Laptop anywhere with WiFi, log in to the server and do your work. When you page is complete press a key and the page is sent to the printers, all so simple and a massive change from the early years”, says Frankie

Frankie has the unique distinction of representing the Observer at both athletics and football. In 1985 he took part in the Observer sponsored Glenfarne 10K with a field of 235 runners.

He also took part in a charity football match to raise funds for Manorhamilton Hydrotherapy Pool where then proprietor and Editor Greg Dunne managed the Observer team against the Local County Councillors who were under the management of the late Joe Mooney during Leitrim Village festival.

“That was a day to be remembered... we were wobbly but the councillors were even wobblier, we settled for a draw. The re-match never took place”

“Christmas Party break-up was always something to look forward to in those days as we would meet in Tony Armstrong's Pub before crossing the road to Dunnes Bar where Pat Barrett would look after us until the evening time 'cooked chickens' would arrive from Flynn's Supermarket in a Tayto box, complete with all the dressings of course.

“I have made a lot of friends over my 47 years working in the Leitrim Observer, both staff and contributors, most of whom I still meet and keep in contact with from time to time. Over the years there was always a story and a 'bit of crack' going on, the work was always done and the paper was always out on time.

“The Observer was a busy place back then as we also printed stationery, small books, election jobs and various tickets and posters.”

Frankie has always maintained a healthy lifestyle and owes this to his involvement in sport. “I am lucky to have my health during those 47 years and my long-term involvement with Carrick Town FC and Carrick Athletic Club, both playing and coaching, has contributed in no small way”.

“I will depart the Leitrim Observer with a heavy heart, some great memories and privileged to have worked with such wonderful colleagues over the years.

“I look forward to the next chapter where, for the present, I intend to relax, take a holiday, spend time with my wife Geraldine and family, Sinéad, Cormac and Eleanor, and visit old school friends who have also retired”.

“For me friendship and memories mean everything and I think I have taken both from the Leitrim Observer”.

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