'I'm lovin' it': Busy Annmarie combines farming with manager role in McDonald’s in Limerick

ANNMARIE Naughton is a busy lady as she combines farming in Limerick with working in McDonald’s but she’s “lovin' it”!

Most head home from work to put their feet up but not Annmarie who puts on her wellies to tend to her 15 Cross Angus cows.

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The 39-year-old business manager at McDonald’s in the Crescent Shopping Centre  has spent the last eight years managing one of the busiest fast-food restaurants in the city.

But when her shift ends, her other job begins - running a 40-acre beef farm in Ballysteen.

“It’s a busy life but I’m healthy, life is good, and I feel very positive.

“No two days are the same - on the farm or at McDonald’s - and that’s what I love.”

Annmarie’s roots in farming run deep as she grew up around cattle.

In 2016, her late father David Naughton, well-known former Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council, transferred a section of his 100-acre farm to her. Sixty acres were planted for forestry - part of a project David began when he wound down beef farming after the sad passing of wife Geraldine, in 2009.

A few years later Annmarie was asked if she would like to build the herd up again and she jumped at the opportunity.

Annmarie now juggles her two careers with the help of her wife Marie, who works full time in payroll but still pitches in on the farm when she can - despite not coming from a farming background.

“She’s brilliant. It’s definitely not something she was used to, but she’s not afraid to get stuck in.”

A typical week sees Annmarie work up to 38 hours at McDonald’s and another 30–35 hours on the farm, especially in the winter months when the cows need extra feed and care.

“After a long day, it’s nice to go out in the fresh air. At least the cows don’t talk back!” she joked.

Her journey with McDonald’s began in 2004, when she joined the Crescent team for the first time. She stayed for six years before taking off on her travels to Thailand and Australia.

In 2014, she returned to Ireland and rejoined McDonald’s part-time while studying for her Green Cert.

By 2016, she was a shift manager, later progressing to first assistant and eventually business manager.

She credits McDonald’s with giving her not only the time and flexibility to follow her passion for farming, but also the business skills to run a working farm.

“It’s a great place to learn. You don’t just flip burgers — you learn to manage people, stock, operations. All of those things carry over to the farm.”

Annmarie also recognises the strong ties between McDonald’s and Irish agriculture, even if she doesn’t personally supply the chain.

“It’s great that McDonald’s is so supportive of Irish beef,” she said.

“They source 40,000 tonnes of it every year. That’s really valuable for local farmers.”

Franchisee Aaron Byrne, who owns McDonald’s Limerick, praised Annmarie’s work ethic.

“We’re very lucky to have her on the team,” he said.

“She has a stunning work ethic and an enthusiasm for everything she does. If she’s not at the restaurant, she’s out on the farm at home.

“She’s a breath of fresh air – and a fantastic role model.”

As for what’s next, Annmarie is keeping her options open. “Maybe general manager - or whatever else the future holds,” she said, adding that, in the meantime, she’s got cows to feed!