End of an era in Louisburgh as popular local butcher retires

THE man who ran Louisburgh’s only butcher’s shop has thanked his customers for their ‘unwavered’ support after he retired after over 25 years in business.

The closure of Durkan’s Butchers on Main Street was greeted with much sadness in the area when it traded for the last time on Saturday, April 19.

JP Jennings thanked every for their well wishes, cards and phone calls since he announced the ‘difficult decision’ to cease trading.

A gathering was held for the Breaffy native in Louisburgh on Saturday evening to mark his retirement.

“I’d like to thank all my staff throughout the years, my suppliers, and most importantly, you, the loyal customers (the locals, our island neighbours in Inisturk and Clare Island, our customers from all over Ireland and beyond and of course our holiday makers) for their unwavered support for the past 25-plus years, I have been made feel part of this wonderful community from day one, Louisburgh will always be a special place for me,” Mr Jennings said.

“This is goodbye from Durkan’s Butchers, but certainly not from me. I hope we will meet regularly in the future. Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy future here in Louisburgh [and] thanks to each and every one of you very very much.”

However, the premises will not be vacant for long as it is due to be occupied by the Ketterick family, who run successful butcher shops in Castlebar and Achill.

Local county councillor Chris Maxwell said it was ‘good news’ for Louisburgh that the premises will not remain closed.

Louisburgh, which recorded a population of 367 people at the last Census, has seen a number of local businesses close in recent years. Its population fell by 67 between the 2016 and 2022 censuses.