Despondent workers at Youghal Carpet cleared their lockers out for the last time yesterday, with older employees expressing fears that their working days were now behind them.

Mr Donal O'Mahony (51), who was employed alongside his two sons, David and Paul, at the Co Cork plant, said three wage packets had disappeared in just one day.

"To come out of the blue and close us down is just callous. At least 60 of us in there have over 20-30 years service. We feel very let down. I started at the plant 27 years ago and now I have nothing."

Mr Paul O'Mahony, who is in his 20s, got married just six months ago, and said the closure was a severe blow to his family. "I have worked at the plant for eight years and my brother David has been here for four. It's my father's whole life. It is an awful tragedy for my family."

Mr Declan Murphy and Mr John Ahern have worked next to each other at the plant for more than 30 years seeing out countless redundancy scares. Mr Murphy (48), from Cobh, claimed the plant was forced to close because of ineffective marketing and the Government's lack of interest in the textile trade. The market for yarns was not adequately exploited at the plant leading to ever dwindling sales, he added.

"Our main competitors in the UK have closed down over the last few months. Surely that should make us stronger? September 11th seems to be what they are blaming and that is ludicrous. There is a market out there which isn't being tapped in to."

Mr Ahern (50), from Carrigtwohill, said there was a terrible sense of sadness yesterday morning in a plant which holds so many happy memories.

"We have all worked alongside each other for so long. Now it is all gone."

Ms Frankie Hurley of Rochestown, Cork, who has worked at the plant for 26 years, said the closure of the plant would have a devastating impact on her life. "I have a three-year-old son to bring up on my own so that will be tough. I have worked here since I was 17 and now I am 43. The plant has had problems for years and years but I never thought it would come to this. It is a tragedy."