End of an era for Ballinrobe butcher's shop
By Patrick Hennelly
IT was the end of an era in Ballinrobe last week when renowned local butcher shop Jarlath Connaughton’s, Main Street, closed its doors for the final time.
The shop opened on October 12, 1990, and over 31 years Jarlath Connaughton and his staff built up an excellent rapport with customers.
On closing day, Jarlath said: “Today has been a very emotional day, and it has been a roller coaster of a journey over the last 31 years.
“A lot of the success must go down to my wife, Mary, and my family. I have four daughters (Lisa, Paula, Iarla and Maura), and they played a significant role in the development of the shop. Mary did a huge amount of work behind the scenes and her input has been amazing.”
The butcher shop plays a key role in any local economy, and the staff get to know their customers over the years and are able to provide in-depth knowledge of the various cuts of meat.
The shop built up an excellent relationship with customers and Jarlath is very grateful to his staff down through the years.
“Brendan Canney has been here for 20 years, and his ideas and customer care helped develop the shop and build on its success. Padraig Heneghan has been here for 13 years, and they are the best of people that you could ever wish to work alongside,” he said.
“The late Vincent O’Toole was also a cherished member of staff, and we hold dearly the great memories of his time working in the shop.”
Jarlath is grateful to his loyal customers and suppliers, saying customers' loyalty is greatly appreciated. Suppliers, too, played a key role, both local and those from outside the town.
Ballinrobe BEO (Business Enterprise Organisation) were brilliant as well, he said, in helping promote the local businesses and economy.
Jarlath believes the town is in much better shape than a decade ago, but he is also looking forward to having a Christmas off without the hustle and bustle of ordering turkeys and hams!
He commented: “Main Street has seen a lot of changes, however the town seems to be on the road to recovery once again.
“It is the first Christmas in 31 years that we won’t be working and I’m looking forward to putting the feet up and relaxing for a change. I’d say the staff are also looking forward to a Christmas off and it will give them time to enjoy the festivities.”
Jarlath has no big plans for his retirement just yet, with Christmas around the corner and a family wedding taking up his attention for the next few weeks.