Memories of the Mayo pub with no beer

by Auld Stock

KELLYS’ drapery shop, Bridge Street, Castlebar, was unusual in that it had a licence to sell beer and spirits, but a pint of porter or a half-one of whiskey were never sold in the premises.

As far as I can remember, Kellys’ shop was located where Liam Kilcullen established his business in later years.

John Jennings, Station Road, Castlebar, a native of Ballyheane, worked in Kellys’ shop for many years before establishing his own bakery and café in Castle Street, Castlebar, close to where Kellys’ hairdressing saloon is now located.

John Jennings’ sons, Barry and Gussie, starred in the GAA underage football leagues in the 1950s and early 1960s. Their teammates included Ray Clarke and Joe Gibbons, in later years to feature on the Mayo team.

Kellys’ shop was located close to the Garden Shop, owned by Margaret Roache, a native of Parke, who married Jack Warde, whose father Pat was a garda in Castlebar, a colleague of John Cashin, Brian McGill, Pat Sharkey and Owen Giblin, a fine footballer who played with Castlebar Mitchels.

Looking back over the years, it is amazing the number of changes which have taken place on the Main Street.

I wonder how many people remember businesses on the street run by Annie Leamy, J.P. Ansbro, Mary McNally, Tom Kilroy, Michael Dunleavy (Bungalow Bar), Dick O’Donnell, whose daughter Maureen married Jack McGreevy, Westport businessman and a dedicated supporter of soccer in the ’Port, Mrs. Brady (The Steps), K.M. Kelly, Tommy Durcan and William Padden.

The above businesses are just a few of the many shops on Main Street/Bridge Street in former times. Main Street was at one time known as Market Street where a weekly market was held each Saturday.

Time never stands still, there are always comings and goings, for that is the way of the world.