After 25 years Fintan still enjoys meeting supermarket customers

After 25 years Fintan still enjoys meeting supermarket customers

12 March 2025

ASDA Downpatrick is celebrating a remarkable milestone with one of its most cherished team members.

Fintan O’Connor, been greeting customers with a warm welcome and a friendly smile at the store for 25 years.

The long-serving staff member who is autistic, is also a keen a golfer and has won a number of medals in the Special Olympics as well as being All-Ireland champion in 2018.

Reflecting on his 25 years at Asda Downpatrick, Fintan said he likes meeting people and talking to them. 

“I know a lot of the customers here as I've been here a long time. I get the trolleys for them and help them to take their shopping to their car if needed. I like to have a chat with them, and they always ask me ‘How's the golf going?’” he said.

He continued: “Colleagues here are very friendly and I get a lot of help and support if I need it. They are great.”

Fintan, who's 45, loves to dress up, whether it be for Halloween, BBC Children in Need or as an elf at Christmas. 

And he had his head shaved to raised money for Tickled Pink, Asda’s breast cancer campaign which raises money and awareness for Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel.

Linda Owens, Community Champion at Asda Downpatrick, sang Fintan’s praises as he reaches a milestone year at the store.

“He's a great all-round guy, a real character and everybody loves him and talks to him,” she said.

“He’s a real character. He just gets on with his job and he's very good at it. He's very methodical and has his routines. He's one of the best, we couldn't wish for better.”

Linda said Fintan loves to get out into the community.

“His old school, St Patrick's, just love to see him. He's up for anything we do in store, he just loves to get involved. He's brilliant and so much fun.

“We are all so proud of him for his work and his golf too – we love seeing his gold medals,” she added.