Almost 200 workers lost their jobs yesterday with the closure of the Bord na Móna peat plant in Bellacorrick, Co Mayo.
The closure had been heralded for four years, since the ESB decided to close its peat powered generating station beside the peat plant, in Bellacorrick.
That closure, with the loss of 70 jobs was to happen this month also, but the ESB is to keep the power station in operation for another year.
Mr Stephen Molloy was employed by Bord na Móna in Bellacorrick for the past 20 years. Yesterday he described the final day at the plant as "emotional and lonely".
"We knew this day was coming for four years now, but it's still sad.
"Many of the workers here will get another few weeks of employment by the company as some of the peat on the bogs have not yet been harvested.
"In addition the company is involved, in a consultative basis, in the construction of Corrib gas terminal in neighbouring Bellanaboy, and some redundant workers will be required there for a few months.
"Nonetheless, because of our location, 25 miles from Ballina and Castlebar, it is likely that the majority of this skilled workforce will have to travel to seek alternative employment," he said.