Sad day for Claremorris as Smyth's shop to close

SMYTH’S Shop at Main Street, Claremorris, will close on this evening (Friday). The iconic premises on Main Street was opened back in 1935 as a news agency, grocery and gift shop and also had a small bar at the back.

Paddy and Birdie Smyth and Paddy’s sister Barbara were the people who steered the ‘ship’ through the years and who made the shop a rambling house where friends and neighbours came together for a chat.

The younger generation pioneered the famous Smyths Toys brand in 1986 that has gone on to become one of the biggest of its kind in Europe with over 200 outlets.

The news of the closing was posted on Facebook last week: “Closing Down Sale: Shop Closing Friday, October 27. All stock greatly reduced. After almost 90 years trading, it comes with great sadness to announce the closure of Smyth's Newsagents We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers, neighbours and friends for their custom and support over the years.

We would also like to thank all our staff for their commitment and contribution to the business.

“Míle buíochas. The Smyth Family.”

The news comes just some weeks after Liam Smyth sadly passed away from an illness in July. Liam was very much to the fore in keeping the 'home fires burning’ in Claremorris.

Many people have been busy calling in to the shop over the last few days and extending thanks to the loyal staff, many of have been with Smyths for several years.

A lot of people around the region are hoping that the famous façade of the shop will be retained and many are hoping that it will reopen with a new business in the times ahead.