Clouds have been gathering over Mallow since the EU deal on the sugar industry was signed in Brussels last year.
Yesterday, local people's worst fears were confirmed with announcement that the sugar plant is to close with the loss of 320 jobs.
It marks the end of an era for Mallow and for the loyal veterans of countless beet campaigns, many of whom, like Gerard O'Riordan from Mourneabbey, represent the second and third generations of their families to work at the plant.
"I'm here 27 years and my late father, Liam O'Riordan, worked here for 30 years - we were expecting the place to go but didn't think it would go so quick. We thought we'd get another one or two campaigns - it's devastating to hear it's going after so long," he said.
His friend, Seán O'Donoghue, from nearby Dromahane, was equally shocked. He started working on beet campaigns in the plant when he was just 18 and was laid off after a couple but has worked at the factory continuously for 35 years.
"I never thought I would see this happen - even up to the last few days we were living in hope that we might get one more campaign out of it, but no joy. There was a rumour around the last couple of days that we were going to close but it's still a shock, like."
Tom Fogarty from Mallow town has worked at the plant for 24 years and although "the vibes were bad" for the last few days, he thought the company would keep the plant open for one, if not two, more beet campaigns.
"We were called in at half past two and told the sad story. It's a big blow to Mallow. There was a good spin-off for hauliers and couriers and there were a lot of contractors in here last year with the refit. The shops and restaurants in town will take a hit too."
Greencore sugar worker director and Mallow Siptu branch secretary, Liam Lucey, who represents some 110 of the 350 staff, reckoned the full impact - including the loss of €8 million in wages to the local economy - will take time to hit home.
"A decision like this that's going to have lifelong changes is going to take time to sink in. People are going to go home and think about their future. It's not just Irish Sugar but the whole food industry, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Ferrero, that is going to be affected by this."
Siptu would be seeking to start redundancy negotiations as soon as possible and they would be looking for a compensation package in the same way that beet growers are seeking compensation, he said.
