Staff members honoured for their long service to Laois company
Certa IT director and company secretary, Brian Dunne is presented with a certificate to mark 25 years of service to the company by David Carty, finance director at Certa
THREE Portlaoise men with a combined total of more than 75 years’ employment with local fuel supplier Certa were recently presented with awards to mark their long service.
The Certa brand, which is part of DCC plc, was introduced in 2022 from the amalgamation of Jones Oil, Emo Oil, Campus Oil, CC Lubricants and Source Lubrication Solutions.
It operates Ireland’s largest network of pay@pump forecourts and home heating depots, including a Certa depot in Portlaoise. The company is also headquartered in Portlaoise.
Declan Keenan, Brian Dunne and Noel Brown were the toast of the town when they were presented with special awards to mark their many years of employment with Certa.
Presenting the awards, Certa managing director Orla Stevens commended Declan Keenan, who is based in Portlaoise as direct routing supervisor; IT director and company secretary Brian Dunne and driver Noel Brown.
Ms Stevens said: “Declan currently supervises approximately 25 drivers from multiple depots across the country. He is a very competent routing supervisor who has kept the day-to-day operation moving for a long number of years. His contribution and work ethic, particularly during challenging periods for the operation, has ensured that thousands of customers have been able to keep their families warm throughout the winter.
“Declan is an extremely friendly person who is always available to help his colleagues with the wealth of knowledge that he has garnered over the years, or just for a chat on anything from family, to hurling and travel to Australia. He is very popular and well regarded by all of his colleagues.” She said: “Brian Dunne started his professional life as a solider in the Irish Army before joining Emo Oil. He has seen many changes during the years and has worked with a number of managing directors, where his expert knowledge has helped to drive the business forward.” Speaking about Noel Brown, Ms Stevens said: “Noel worked with Atlas Oil for five years before they merged into Emo Oil in 1997 and is a familiar face to Certa customers, having serviced the Portlaoise town area for more than 25 years. He was on site in Portlaoise when the first two Emo trucks arrived.
“Noel’s service over the past 25 years has been exceptional and we are delighted to recognise his great work as a local face of our business. Noel is also a keen golfer and is looking forward to the longer evenings to play a few holes.” Ms Stevens added: “Certa is committed to continually enhancing the service that we offer domestic, commercial and industrial customers and we value the great service that colleagues like Declan, Brian and Noel deliver each and every day as we continue to pursue our ambition of becoming Ireland’s most progressive energy company.”
