End of an era at Mayo business
By Michael Byrne
IT'S the end of an era on Abbey Street in Ballyhaunis where Pado and Nora Cunningham have retired from their business, Cunningham's Londis Plus, after many years of successful trading at the very popular retail centre.
November 27 was indeed a sad day for Pado, Nora and the loyal long-serving staff of Cunningham's. It was a day when tears of sadness and joy mingled as staff members recalled the many joyful and humorous moments, events which were part of the successful story of the Abbey Street store over many decades.
A steady stream of well-wishers, customers and friends of Pado and Nora came through the store throughout the day, each with their own personal memories of times past of dealing in Cunninghams over many years.
Pado, the third generation of the family to operate the famous Ballyhaunis grocery store, took over the business from his mother, Mary, over 50 years ago. In the years that followed, Pado transformed it from a relatively small grocery shop to a thriving and hugely successful major supermarket centre, going on to trade under the Londis brand through the recent decades.
The hallmark of the massive success that was Cunningham's Londis was, undoubtedly, the genuine, friendly welcome afforded to all customers. Whether regular or just casual customers, the welcome and greeting was the same.
Little wonder, then, that there was so much sadness throughout Abbey Street, Devlis and further afield as regular loyal customers came to greet Pado and his wife Nora on their last day of trading, wishing them all the very the best in their retirement.
It was also a sad day for two of the shop's long-serving employees, Margaret Hannan (née Murray) and Cathy Kedian (née Mannion), who also retired from Cunningham's after many long years of dedicated service.
Here's wishing Pado, Nora, and also Margaret and Cathy many years of health and happiness in their retirement in the years ahead.
The good news is that the Abbey Street supermarket will continue to serve the local community into the future under new management, trading under the Centra brand.