Cork Person of the Month award for longest-serving McDonald's worker in Ireland

Pictured at the award presentation L/R: Robert Bejanishvili, The Metropole Hotel; Chirantha Lollugamagl, McDonald’s; Jim Ronayne, McDonald’s; Clara O‘Mahoney, AM O’Sullivan PR; Graham Kelly, McDonald’s; George Duggan, Cork Crystal; Thelma Beltran, McDonald’s and Cork Person of the Month; Ben Jayagody, McDonald’s; and Manus O’Callaghan, Awards Organiser. Picture Vitaliy Makhnanov.

A woman who has become a well-known face in her local area over the last quarter of a century has been recognised as the Cork Person of the month for January. 

Thelma Beltran, who is originally from the Philippines, arrived in Cork in 2001 and joined the team at the McDonald's outlet in Douglas. 

Over the last 25 years, she has become a popular figure in the locality, serving countless families as well as being known as a welcoming face to the people of Douglas and beyond. 

Ms Beltran moves between the front counter and customer care roles and is highly regarded by both staff and customers for her hard work and her "infectious positivity." 

Her work ethic and dedication to provide exceptional customer services have been described as "incredible", with colleague Jim Ronayne saying they were "incredibly lucky" to have her both as a colleague and friend for 25 years. 

Now 62 years old, Ms Beltran said she loves working and has no plans to retire.

"I love my job. Being part of a great team, getting to know the people of Douglas and helping make our customers’ days that little bit special is really satisfying. I plan to keep working here as long as I’m enjoying it, and hopefully that’s for many more years," she said. 

Awards organiser, Manus O'Callaghan, said Ms Beltran's "commitment to putting smiles on people’s faces and providing exceptional service is outstanding". 

"For 25 years, she has been a constant, positive presence in Douglas and has welcomed thousands of people through the doors of McDonald’s.

"Her journey, leaving her home country to build a life here and embed herself so seamlessly in the local community, is inspiring," Mr O'Callaghan added. 

Ms Beltran's name now goes forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year, who will be announced at the annual gala awards lunch in January next year.