Long serving butcher Dessie hangs up his apron

A popular butcher who has been serving customers in Dungiven for more than two decades has hung up his apron for the last time.

Dessie McAleese has called time on his career after a loyal 25 years service to McKay Family Butchers in Dungiven.

The Burnfoot man joined the north Derry butchers in the late 90s and has worked through many times and tribulations.

“I have butchered all my life since I was 15 years old,” he explained.

Previous to McKay’s I had been working in a supermarket where I worked every hour, including late nights and weekends. It got to the stage where I preferred to do a normal working week and have the weekend to myself.

“I started at McKay's 25 years ago in March. McKay’s was a very, very busy shop when I started working there. It was queued out the door most weekends. Working in McKay’s was brilliant. There was a great community of people. You always had banter with people. They were easy to work with and were very good to me. They were all very kind. When I went for my heart bypass lots of people gave in cards and left lovely messages.

“The people made the work a lot easier. It made the day go by quicker. It didn’t feel like you were on a long shift, there was always fun to be had.”

McKay's held a special event on Saturday, November 2 to bid farewell to Dessie, with Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor Ciarán McQuillan coming along to make a special presentation.

“I would like to thank everybody for their kind wishes. For the cards, presents and well wishes I am so grateful. It was overwhelming but lovely for people to go to that effort,” Dessie continued.

“I couldn’t believe it when the mayor showed up the day I was retiring, I nearly fell to the floor, I wasn’t expecting that anyway.”

On his plans for retirement Dessie added: “I will be resting from now until Christmas. I like decorating, gardening, and walking so I will be able to pass the time that way. I have a big family so I have more time to visit them now.”

Sean and Fergal McKay, of McKay Family Butchers, described Dessie's retirement as the 'end of an era'.

“He has seen a lot of changes in Dungiven in 25 years, worked through recessions and pandemics but has remained loyal throughout.

“He has made countless friends and watched the young people around him grow up and create families of their own.

“He probably made you laugh, possibly made you cry and definitely tried to embarrass you. His unique sense of humour will never be equaled.

“From all of the McKay Family, we would like to wish Dessie and the whole of the McAleese Family the best of luck and good health in the future.”

Before presenting Dessie with a special plaque to mark his service, Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor Ciarán McQuillan added: “25 years is an incredible achievement. Dessie has been in service longer than I have been born!”