Shercock say farewell to leading light

Shercock said a sad farewell to the late Tom (TP) Carton of Carton Brothers who passed away peacefully at his home in Enniskerry on Monday, January 2, aged 89. His influence on life in Shercock and surrounding areas over the past 40 years would be difficult to fully quantify. Although a native of Dublin he lived most of his life in the beautiful Wicklow village of Enniskerry. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2003 but was adamant that this would not affect his very full life. It was only when he broke his hip in November 2010 and was confined to a wheelchair that he lost much of his independence. Affectionately known as TCP, he was in the business for 69 years and was Managing Director of Carton Brothers from the 1960s to the 1990s and thereafter company chairman. During his time he oversaw massive changes as the company, the industry and the country underwent significant developments. During his long career became in turn an auctioneer (poultry and game), a butter trader, a bondsman for wines and spirits, a tea taster, a printer and of course, an expert in all matters poultry. As times changed he moved the company out of these periphery activities and invested heavily in the chicken business. He relocated outside of Dublin with a new hatchery in 1968 in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, a new processing plant in 1970 in Shercock, a new feed milling business in 1976 also in Shercock and finally a Swiss chalet franchise chicken restaurants in 1981, which were perhaps ahead of their time. It was a lucky day for Shercock when the late Fr Edward Tully walked into Carton Brothers headquarters in Halston Street in Dublin and invited him to inspect a number of sites in the locality, where he might build a chicken processing factory. The rest, they say is history. The company trades under the title of Manor Farm Ltd, but to the people of Shercock it is still known as Carton Brothers. There are over 550 people employed today from the Bailieboro, Kingscourt, Cootehill and Carrickmacross areas due to his vision, foresight and entrepreneurial flair. He genuinely appreciated his staff - their dedication and actively sought their input. In recent times his sons Vincent and Justin have continued that success. Third level students within the area also owe a debt of gratitude to a factory that provides them with employment over the summer months. In particular, Tom enjoyed his relationship with the farmers. He was a constant traveller, always keen to investigate and learn how things were done in other countries and then apply them back home. His faith was also very important to him and he attended Mass regularly and recited the rosary daily. Pilgrimages were a central feature of his faith; he went to Loch Derg, Knock, Lourdes, Fatima and in later years Medjugorje. He was a quiet and private man who was interested in everything. He was a man of integrity and courage, courage to do what was right. He loved his wife Kitty and his family. He is survived by his wife Kittie, daughters Veronica (Chappat), Beatrice (Ensor), Marguerite (O'Neill), Lainey (Blayney), sons Vincent, Justin and John Leo, sisters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.