Dunnes’ first employee honoured after 67-year career

DUNNES Stores’ right-hand man Dan Barrett has occupied all of the hot seats.

The Corkman, who was supermarket dynamo Ben Dunne Snr’s first-ever employee, mentor and subsequently director as the family empire grew, yesterday got to warm a red velour seat at Cork City Hall — one set to be graced by the queen of England next month.

Recently turned 90 years of age and still working, Mr Barrett was the first man to commit to the Dunnes vision and drive for better value. The company launched at the end of the Second World War, now he sees it in the trenches in current supermarket price wars. And he still loves it.