Diamonds were always Susan O’Sullivan's best friend as she frequented Keanes Jewellers regularly with her wages from ‘A Touch of Class’ at the Innisfallen Mall from a very early age.

So it came as no great shock that she was the successful candidate in taking up a sales position at the popular jewellery store over 17 years ago.

And now Susan begins a new sparkling chapter as the first ever lady Store Manager taking over from Paul Trant who has 29 years service with the popular High Street shop.

She has large boots to fill but will do so with ease with her friendly smile and glamour.

Are diamonds really a girl's best friend Susan?

“I’m an employee at Keanes for 17 years now so I think it’s safe to say the most precious diamonds are the staff in the store. Keanes are a fantastic family based company. With Paul's departure, we are a team of six where Joan Lenihan is 42 years with Keanes and Breda O’Leary is 32. In addition to Breda and Joan, we have great camaraderie with Andrea McCarthy, Lauren Rintoul full-time and Emma Griffin part-time. Joan has worked with three generations of the Keane family from Paddy and Eileen, their sons Gerard and Pat and now their sons Ger and Patrick. I think that’s a fantastic testament to the family, truly a great place to work. The Cork store is 75 years in business and we are established in Killarney 45 years now.

You’ve worked in Keanes for almost half of their 45 years in existence in Killarney. I’m sure you’ve shared many special moments with customers down through the years?

“The obvious one is the excitement of a newly engaged couple. We are sometimes the first to know, before family and friends which is very special. The journey of special occasions there after is wonderful when our clients return to buy the wedding rings, the christening gifts and many other milestone gifts. Only in recent months a client returned to me to purchase an item for her graduation. I remembered piercing her ears as a child. I was thrilled this daunting experience as a child hadn’t put her off returning to Keanes,” Susan laughed.

I looked around and wanted everything in sight and wondered how Susan coped given her magpie tendencies from an early age!

"I won’t lie, it is difficult. I’m ‘invested’, what can I say,” Susan laughed. “Most of our jewellery comes from Italy and London. Just before COVID hit, in February 2020 I had the enormous privilege of travelling to Italy with the company buyer Pauline O’Callaghan which was the most amazing experience. It was great to meet all our suppliers in person and I was thrilled to bring some of the most fabulous pieces back to our clients in here in Killarney."

So what changes will the new position bring?

“Like many of my clients I have grown up with Keanes. It fits in well with my family life with my two Donal’s, senior and junior. I’ve bought my engagement ring here, my wedding ring and many other pieces since. That’s not something that will change for me. I suppose I will have a few more trips to Cork here and there and I am open to anything that comes my way in my new role but my main goal is as always looking after our fabulous clients."

On my way out I admired the fabulous selection of watches and asked if they were still a popular gift - given phones do that and more!

"Watches are as popular as they ever were yes, but the best time to go by here in Keanes is by the impeccable time keeping of another of our regulars, Connie O’Shea, our postman. He works like clock work, always on time but always time for the chats too.

“We will miss Paul lots but I’m very excited with my new role here at Keanes,” Susan concluded.

Do you think there is another 17 years in you Susan? I asked.

“That and more I hope Marie!"