Mary retires after long Belvedere tour

A woman who was the face of Belvedere House and Gardens, Mullingar, since it opened, Mary Kelly has retired after 24 years of service.

Mary joined the staff of Belvedere on May 29, 2000, just two weeks after the refurbished facility opened, and witnessed at close quarters its growth and development into a significant regional tourist attraction.

She started as a tram driver and later branched into visitor services, working on reception and as a tour guide.

Mary is a native of Portloman, Mullingar, and now lives in Multyfarnham with her daughter Samantha.

Representatives of Westmeath County Council, staff, past and present, and long-time season ticket holders, many of whom would have known Mary from the start, were among the guests at her retirement tea party held in the Courtyard at Belvedere.

Mary is a talented craftswoman who enjoys paper craft, water colour painting and sewing. She has made wedding and Communion dresses in the past. It is possible that she will indulge in these activities more in the future, but for now she is enjoying a well-earned rest.