‘Absolutely devastated... What job is left for me? I’m 52’

ONCE an economic powerhouse of the south-east and a source of pride for the entire country, because of the quality of its jobs and the reputation which its products enjoyed worldwide, Waterford Crystal is becoming a shadow of its former self.

With thousands of manufacturing jobs soon to be reduced to about 70, those left making crystal in the Kilbarry site will be part of a total workforce of just 200 — a far cry from the 3,000-plus employees at the company’s peak.

Now the jobs are elsewhere, in places like Slovenia and Germany, Poland and Hungary, Brazil and Romania.