Store manager from Athlone features in Tesco campaign

Athlone man Gerald Lynch is one of the Tesco Ireland employees profiled by the company as it aims to shine a light on some frontline heroes.

Ger, who is currently the Tesco store manager in Edenderry, is one of the subjects of leading Irish photographer and author Ruth Medjber, who was engaged by the company to capture the "the real stories of the real people behind the screens" at Tesco Ireland.

A native of Monksland, Ger started out 17 years ago as a Security Guard and is now a Store Manager.

All those years ago, his manager saw something in him and encouraged him to drive forward. Now, that’s exactly what Ger himself champions in his store.

His focus is on giving his staff the space, encouragement, and opportunities to grow.

Speaking to Ruth, he said that when he retires it won't be his sales targets that he'll be most proud of, but seeing people do well in their lives.

Ruth said of Ger: "He points out that nobody starts a new job wanting it to be a negative experience, so he tries to harness that positivity from the start and allow people to enjoy their jobs.

"Mental health is a big factor in that. To keep spirits up, and distract from Covid, Ger started a fitness challenge for the team.

"It meant that people were communicating, exercising, getting fresh air, and focusing on some positive elements of their day, all while raising money for charity.

"I can only imagine how proud Ger’s old boss must be, seeing this former security guard do so much good for so many people," she concluded.