Tommy Ryan retired from Templemore Motor Works on December 14th last after 53 years of continuous service with the company. This happily coincided with the relaxing of government covid restrictions and so we were able to mark his retirement . Originally from Cummerjudy, Milestone, Tommy joined Cambies on 7th November 1967 and trained Initially as a diesel mechanic where he worked closely with Sol Cambie. He trained on diesel fuel pumps and injectors ( a highly important and specialised area at that time). Both Sol and Tommy were highly regarded for their expertise in this area. Some years later Tommy moved into commercial sales, tendering nationally for local authority contracts. Tommy was responsible for the sale of many fleets of Toyota HiAce and Liteace vans, Dyna 100 Pick Ups and Hilux 4x4 to municipal bodies such as Dublin Corporation and County Council, Offaly County Council, Clare and Limerick County Councils to name but a few as well as our own Tipperary County Council. Tommy was known the length and breadth of the country through his involvement in this work. Ever open to change, Tommy reinvented himself and in the later years was Parts manager in the garage providing an excellent service to retail an trade customers alike. While Lisheen mine operated Tommy was the person who ensured their large fleet of Toyota Hilux models, which experienced extreme hardship underground, kept moving. Nothing was ever too much trouble to Tommy, if it meant keeping a customer happy. In his 53 years working in Templemore Motor Works, Tommy always gave of his best. He was eager to learn new things and was a very loyal, dedicated and respected member of the team.If anyone had a problem or was unsure of something , if Tommy could help, he would, always. Tommy now shares with Joe Hough, another very respected retired member of Cambie's staff, the unique distinction of having completed over 50 years continuous service. Between Tommy and Joe, they have a combined continuous service of 100 years with the company. Quite a record! Tommy married the love of his life, Eva O'Rourke from Ashmere, Roscrea in 1971. Now living in Moyne they have 6 children; Mary, Elizabeth, John Paul, Tracey, Little Eva and Stephanie and their much loved grandchildren Ellie, Thomas, Christopher, Conor, Maria, Anna, Harry and Lucy. Tommy and Eva enjoy nothing more than dancing and such is their talent as they trip the light fantastic , they could rival any couple on Dancing with the Stars. Tommy's passion is anything motor related. He loves restoring old cars, tractors , anything with an engine and has a number of projects ongoing at present. We thank Tommy for all his dedication and commitment and hard work and we wish him many happy years of retirement. It can certainly be said of Tommy that he gave his all ; his service and dedication were unique and certainly yes, after Tommy, they broke the mould .
