End of an era for family business

THE end of an era has been marked at Blackfort in Castlebar with the closure of Blackfort Machinery Sales after 41 years in business.

Johnny Bourke, proprietor, had announced his intentions with an advertisement in The Connaught Telegraph in which he also thanked all the people who supported him and his late father, John, since the business was first established in November 1974.

Speaking after the closure on August 31, Johnny said the lack of spending power caused by the economic downturn had effectively undermined his business and he was left with no option but to wind up.

He explained: “It was a very difficult decision to reach but I am happy now that it’s made. I will still continue working as a tractor mechanic, but not from the garage as the insurance costs were simply unsustainable. The bad weather this summer also influenced my decision as farmers were not able to use their tractors to get in their hay and turf.

'I had great times at Blackfort Motors, as it was originally called. It was set up by my late father John and his friend, John Heneghan, Newtown, Clogher. They had both worked together in Josie Bourke’s Garage.

“Our neighbours were always very good to us and understanding when there may have been a bit of loud engine noises. It’s a sad time but it also heralds the beginning of a new phase in my family’s life.”

Johnny also expressed concerns over the level of traffic at Pound Road and said there is an urgent need for safety issues to be addressed.