Shop Next Door To Bon Secours Closes Its Doors After 45 Years

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Mary Walsh and Patricia Walsh with grand niece and nephew Grace O’Sullivan and Jack Lawlor at Walsh & O’Brien shop next to the Bon Secours on Wednesday. Photo by Lisa O’Mahony.

TODAY marked 45 years since Walsh & O’Brien on Strand Street, began trading at their premises next to the Bon Secours Hospital. Sadly, today it was also their final day in business.

Mary Walsh and her cousin Dominic O’Brien, who sadly passed away two years ago, bought the shop from Michael and Maggie Maye 45 years ago today.

Michael had turned the building into a supermarket, where Mary worked for three years before she and her cousin decided to buy it.

They turned the supermarket back into a shop, where, at one stage, they had ten girls working for them. Mary also ran her hairdressing salon in the upstairs of the shop, which was closed yesterday.

“I used to work here from 9 in the morning to 12 at night when we opened up first. Myself and my cousin, we did really long hours here. It was a goldmine then, but all small shops are gone now,” she continued.

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Their neighbours in the Bon Secours Hospital supported them down through the years and are sad to see them go. They all came in to say goodbye, bringing mass cards and flowers for Mary and Patricia.

Mary said she was heartbroken, but had to close the shop for health reasons. “My sister, Patricia, has been keeping it together for the last two years and she hasn’t had a day off. It’s hard going.”

Although Mary is sad to leave, she is thankful for the memories that she can hold onto.”It’s a part of history, you know? It’s been my life. I loved every minute of it. Every minute of it.”

7 Comments

  1. Kathyfrancis says:

    Hi Mary & Patricia my God what a history. You & Patricia should go on a short local holiday ‘ shoot the breeze’ . Thank you for all the chats . C u soon luv Kathy Francis xx

  2. mary horgan says:

    lovely pleasant kerry staff .nothing was too much .enjoy the retirement.thanks for making a trip to the bons so easy

  3. Very sad. An icon.

  4. Teresa Moriarty says:

    I spent tweleve years working in the Bons & good old Dominic used to let us get our cigarettes on tab until pay day…..

    The shop will be sadley missed by all in Strand Road…

    Best of Luck Mary & Patricia

  5. Ann o Carroll says:

    Best wishes on your retirement Mary & Patricia. R I P Dominic. Ann o Carroll

  6. Michael Lynch says:

    Hi Ladies so sad to hear yer closed. What a great service yee provided & a pleasure to go into & have a chat. I wish you both well,live live to the full. wishing you both a very healthy & happy retirement…. Michael Lynch

  7. DENNIS O'BRIEN says:

    just seen the news.what a sad ending.but the health comes first for all concerned.

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