Bridget’s drapery and newspaper shop is probably
the last original trading interior in Ballinrobe. This preserved
frontage has windows on either side of the entrance with access to the
rear through the shop. It is a three story building with two bays on
each of the two upper floors.
Internally, there
are two counters, one on either side with shelving on the back walls.
One will find no video games, DVDs or modern technology here, which
makes it all the more interesting as it is a centre of social
interaction, with updates on the latest events in town being exchanged
here e.g. death notices, marriages, farming updates and the weather; a
very valuable resource for the local community. As a consequence, a
loyal and large customer base shop here on a daily basis, where there is
always time to say hello.
Items for sale in Bridget’s Shop
On
the left side, where discussions often take place on the best type of
product for ones requirements, is the drapery section with items
including, gloves, thermal vests, wrap around aprons, wool jumpers both
ladies and children’s’, sweatshirts, patterns for knitting, knitting and
crochet needles, thread, buttons, baby wear and gifts and scarves. At
the centre of the shop one will find post cards and greeting cards.
On
your right side will be envelopes, writing paper, biros and pens,
children’s and adult books, games, jigsaws, note books, receipt books,
newspapers, magazines, board games, calendars, diaries, pritt glue stick, sellotape, paper clips, cigarettes, tobacco, matches, sweets and
chocolate. There are probably as many more items available also.
Info courtesy of the Historical Ballinrobe Website
Update: End of an Era
Very sad to learn of the final closing of Walsh's Shop, Abbey St. Ballinrobe. Bridget Brown, ran the popular Walsh’s Newsagents on Abbey Street for over 30 years. It was always a pleasure to drop into Walsh's and chat to Bridget. Bridget's shop will be missed by so many of her loyal customers and friends. We wish her good health on her retirement.
Very sad to learn of the final closing of Walsh's Shop, Abbey St. Ballinrobe. Bridget Brown, ran the popular Walsh’s Newsagents on Abbey Street for over 30 years. It was always a pleasure to drop into Walsh's and chat to Bridget. Bridget's shop will be missed by so many of her loyal customers and friends. We wish her good health on her retirement.
Bridget in her shop
 |
| photo courtesy of the Ballinrobe Historical website |
And so all the certainties of the past disappear inescapable.
ReplyDeleteFantástico e não houve alterações ao longo dos anos.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e continuação de boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Oh this is so sad, to see all the pretty shops disapppear. Love the interior with Bridget!
ReplyDeleteBereft of Bridget, what will Ballinrobe do?
ReplyDeleteWhat a loss for everyone!
It will be hard to replace what the placed served and did
ReplyDeleteI thought she sold drapes and newspapers. Lol. It sounded like an unusual combination.
ReplyDeleteThe community will miss such an important gathering place! Best wishes to Bridget!
It is always such a shame to see these wonderful old places shut their doors. It is too bad there is not someone that would come in and take over and keep the place open. Sad. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI love old places , but time changing everything ,greetings,Joan
ReplyDeleteHello Bill.
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad to see old shops disappear.
The same is happening here too,but the local shops are effective from the big crisis.
Your picture is very beautiful!
Have a lovely evening!
Dimi...
Sad to see such a wonderful place close. I'm sure it will be missed. It is a lovely old building!
ReplyDeleteOh my, that is sad to see such a loved business closing it's doors. It's very hard to find places like you have described in this day and age.
ReplyDeleteTimes change. Too bad this business could not be sold to someone who could continue it. BTW, love seeing your photos. We have had a great time wandering around Ireland in years past.
ReplyDelete...progress.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad when businesses like this come to the end of their time.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the kind of place that people in the community could just hang out. It's nice that she is retiring but sad for the community.
ReplyDeleteTime changes things and some times everything is changed. I don't like change, probably because it reminds me of my own mortality!
ReplyDeleteThat is sad to hear. I hope she has a nice retirement!
ReplyDeleteThat's a curious combination of products.
ReplyDeleteHappy retirement to Bridget!
ReplyDeleteIt's always sad to see the end of an institution like this. There aren't a lot of places that sell some of the things mentioned here, or they're few and far between. And so many places are intent on just moving people through (though in my working days I never took time to socialize).
ReplyDeleteOne of a kind. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a great pity when such shops close down.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building.
God bless.
The inventory on the shelves makes it look like a successful enterprise.
ReplyDeleteOh what a shame Bill. This is exactly the kind of store that will be sorely missed because it just sounds so handy for all those little things one runs out of and can't be bothered to go into town for. I guess Bridget had to retire sometime ☺
ReplyDeleteThanks for making this posting.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to read and see the photographs.
Sad to experience the end of an era. especially when you are friendly with the proprietor.
ReplyDeleteAnother little bit of history bites the dust. It makes me sad when things like this happen.
ReplyDelete