Tom’s TC Tyres is a Major success

A thriving Kilkenny City business has paid tribute to its very first employee who still leads the repair and fitting crew at TC Tyres.
Aptly, a special ‘thank you’ evening for ever present Mick ‘Major’ Burke from popular owners the Cantwell family was enjoyed as TC Tyres, founded by the late Tom Cantwell, better known as TC, was enjoyed as the business prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
When the doors at Patrick Street were opened in January 3, 1984 TC and his wife Bernie were joined by Assumption Place man Mick Burke, along with Jimmy Collins from Clara who has sadly passed on.
Major quit his job as a tyre fitter at Moremiles, formerly Fit Remoulds to join Team TC and after 40 years of dedication to the firm the 73 year old is looking forward to many more years in a job he loves.
In appreciation of his contribution to the continual progress of TC Tyres and his huge devotion to the Kilkenny family business, members of the Cantwell family paid their tributes to an employee they cherish, admire and in the words of Bernie Cantwell truly appreciate.
The business that was started with four hands on deck, including the owners, now boasts two local depots, Upper Patrick Street and Hebron Road as it continues to spread its wings and is acknowledged as one of the finest tyre firms in our country.
Ironically, a business that was the brainchild of former Fit Remoulds man TC was to limp into the world of trade and commerce as TC slipped and broke an ankle during final preparations on the eve of the opening and was on crutches for the big day.
Snow also pelted down for most of January 3, 1984 but enthusiasm and preparation was such that business was brisk from the word go even though the entire stock consisted of 60 tyres only.
The Good Ship TC was launched in what we could term choppy waters but very soon the proud family enterprise was on course for what has now proved to be four tremendous decades.
And the bold Major was there every step of the way.
Guests at dinner in Paris Texas on Saturday included Mick Burke’s family along with TC Tyres staff members and their partners.
In a few well-chosen words Bernie Cantwell recounted the company’s humble beginnings and thanked Major for his enormous contribution to TC Tyres.