Tastemaker Spotlight: Peggy Coundland – The Heart of FoodSpace in Longford
At FoodSpace, our strength lies in the people behind our service — the dedicated team members who bring energy, warmth, and commitment to everything they do. One such person is Peggy Coundland, our incredible Catering Assistant at the Longford site, who has been an integral part of the FoodSpace family for 17 years.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Peggy began her journey with FoodSpace through a recommendation from a former colleague. Transitioning into a new environment came with challenges, especially learning the till system, but her determination and resilience quickly turned those early days into a rewarding career. Today, she brings a wealth of experience and deep knowledge of the food industry to her role, along with a strong alignment with the FoodSpace ethos of sustainability, customer focus, and local sourcing.
A Day in the Life
Her days start bright and early at 7 AM. The first task? Preparing a welcoming and clean canteen space. From refilling coffee and tea stations to stocking the fridges, Peggy ensures everything is perfectly in place before stepping on the till from 9 to 2. After lunch service, she restocks and tidies up, wrapping up her shift by 3 PM — always with a sense of satisfaction and pride in her work.
Balance Beyond the Kitchen
Outside of work, Peggy values fitness and nature. A dedicated 5K walk after work helps her unwind, while weekends are reserved for quality time with her partner in Sligo, enjoying country walks with their dog and relaxing pub evenings. It’s this balance that fuels her warm, energetic spirit each day.
Inspired by Teamwork
What keeps Peggy going? “My colleagues,” she says without hesitation. “We have a great team — we support each other, we laugh together, and we help each other through the hard days. Marie, especially, has always been a rock.” That camaraderie and shared purpose are at the core of her motivation.
Learning, Growing, and Giving Back
Throughout her time at FoodSpace, Peggy has mastered her customer service skills, built her confidence through interaction with diverse people, and deepened her understanding of food production methods and industry trends. Her proudest achievement? Her personal growth — adapting to change, embracing challenges, and evolving alongside the company.
Words of Wisdom
Peggy knows what it takes to succeed in this role and offers advice to anyone joining the FoodSpace team: reliability, timekeeping, and a positive attitude. These values, she says, are the foundation of long-term success in a fast-paced, people-focused environment like FoodSpace.
A Quote to Live By
Peggy sums up her role in a single, powerful line: "We supply food that speaks louder than words." And truly, it’s her actions, her spirit, and her dedication that make her a valuable team member in the FoodSpace family.
