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Neodata workers reunite
FROM 1970 until nearly the turn of the century, the word "Neodata" was synonymous with modern, attractive office employment across Limerick and north Kerry.
The American-owned company provided direct-marketing support to multinational organisations on a contract basis, including customer services and management of client databases. Delivery of international magazines was managed from Ireland for the whole world.
Beginning in Limerick city at Bank House, O'Connell Street, Neodata soon expanded to Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock, Listowel and Dingle, employing a total of 400 at its height.
The company began to trim its Irish operation from 1993 and the business was subsequently acquired by AC Nielsen which finally wound down after a number of years due to global technological changes.
Last Friday, more than a decade after the Newcastle West plant, which had earlier absorbed the Abbeyfeale office, finally closed, members of staff came together for a reunion. Some had been with the firm from its inception in Newcastle West.
All 120 places at the Ballintemple Inn in Churchtown, Newcastle West, had been booked well in advance. The almost exclusively female former staff of the Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale offices chatted and renewed acquaintances prior to the service of the meal. The meal was preceded by a prayerful minute's silence in honour of deceased members and families.
The stage was adorned by a "high nellie" bicycle and a Honda 50. Pat O'Donovan, had been manager of the Newcastle West operation for 18 years in succession to Mick Lombard, having begun with the company in Kilmallock. Mr O'Donovan explained the significance of the two means of transport.
"In the beginning, we were asked for a bicycle parking area and shed, because that was how most came to work," he said. "But no sooner had we done that than it was Honda 50s in the yard and, later again, it was car parking that was being requested."
Following the meal, entertainment was provided by Knockaderry's Murt Downes.
"It was the most enjoyable night I have spent in a long time," said Maura Mulvihill Rynne, as she shared memories with friends, many of whom may not have met for many years.
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