Local Galway shopkeeper retiring after 57 years marks end of an era for community
And now as she reflects on her time, Maureen has one message she would like to leave after 57 years in business – and that is to continue to support local
For more than half a century, her shop was a cornerstone of her local community – but now Maureen Kenny is getting used to life outside the counter after a send-off that she says she could never have imagined in her wildest dreams.
She stepped out from behind that counter at Maureen’s Foodstore in Ballyforan on July 5, after 57 years – and she is only now trying to put into words her appreciation of all that helped to make her retirement so special.
“The final day is something I will remember for the rest of my life. To see such a large crowd gathered outside the shop was very emotional. As the Angelus bells rang out, signaling the end of my 57-year career and the closing of the doors for the final time, I realised just how lucky I had been,” she says.
And now as she reflects on her time, Maureen has one message she would like to leave after 57 years in business – and that is to continue to support local.
“Our school, shop, Church, St Aidan’s and community organisations are what keep villages like Ballyforan alive. They can only continue to thrive if we all support them,” she says.
Maureen reflected too on the part her entire family played over more than half a century.
"My children and grandchildren have been part of the shop almost since the day they were born,” she says.
“I especially miss my beloved Pete, who was by my side for 56 years. I know how proud he would have been to see the wonderful send-off I received, and I could feel his presence with me as I closed the doors for the final time.
“A very special thank you to Yvonne, who worked alongside me for 36 years, and to Marie, Martin and James for everything they have done over the past 20 years.
“Cait and Linda were always there supporting me in the background and continue to be there for me now as I settle into retirement. I was lucky to have Deborah and Gavin work with me’ they are the next generation, and I hope they can always say they got a ‘good start’ in Maureeen’s Foodstore.
“I was also blessed over the years with fantastic staff. They not only made each working day more enjoyable, but they helped make Maureen’s Foodstore the kind of shop it was.
“I was completely overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me. The beautiful retirement cards, Mass bouquets, flowers, brooches, candles, lotto, frames, vouchers and messages meant so much,” she says.
“Most of all, I was touched by the number of loyal customers from far and wide, along with friends and neighbours, who called in personally to wish me well. Many of you have been coming through the shop door for decades, and the week leading up to the final day was hectic, but I loved every minute of it and all the surprise visits, with some customers travelling long distances just to wish me well,” she adds.
One customer even arrived with a set of glasses and a reminder of one of her late husband Pete’s favourite sayings about the shop: “If you can’t find it in Hong Kong, Paris or New York, try Maureen’s!”
She is particularly grateful to all of the local sporting clubs, St Aidan’s, Four Roads Camogie, Ladies Football & Hurling Clubs and Dysart FC who turned out.
“It was incredibly touching to have the St Aidan’s U14 team and Four Roads Senior Camogie team arrive to the shop in their jerseys and present me with a parting gift,” she says.
“Ballyforan Tidy Towns also called to thank me for the support I have given the group since it was established around 40 years ago. The truth is, it was always a pleasure to support people who were working hard to make Ballyforan a better place.
“Thank you also to the Ballyforan Fair Committee for their beautiful gift and their kind words of appreciation for the support and sponsorship I was always delighted to give the Fair over the years.
“I was also deeply touched by the lovely gift and kind words from the teachers and pupils of Ballyforan National School. Our school is such an important part of our village, alongside our church, local shop, St Aidan’s and the many committees that bring our community together,” she adds.
To mark her departure, Maureen is holding a Thanksgiving Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan, this Sunday at 10am, ‘to give thanks for all the blessings, friendships and wonderful memories I enjoyed throughout my 57 years in business’. “Hopefully we can have a cuppa together afterwards in my front garden,” she says.