End of an era as two city centre shops shut their doors

Galway City Tribune – Two of Galway’s oldest family businesses have closed, marking the end of an era for the city centre streetscape.

Griffin’s Bakery on Shop Street closed its doors on Monday, announcing with a notice posted on its door that it had gone into voluntary liquidation, while Deacy’s Fish Shop closed on Saturday following the owner’s retirement.

A note on Griffin’s window read: “Today is a very sad day for me personally, my wife, my children and my staff who worked tirelessly to keep the company open over these past few very challenging years in business.

“I will never be able to thank them enough for their loyalty, dedication and support. I wish to thank all our loyal customers who have come to Griffins to buy their bread, pastries, cakes and dined in our tearooms.”

Across the road, fish shop owner Michael Deacy Jnr retired having worked in the shop for 45 years.

“We sincerely thank all the people who supported us through many happy years,” the Deacy family wrote on their shopfront.

Michael Deacy Senior said the family had been trying to get his son to retire for a long time after it became clear that none of his children were interested in taking over the business.

The building will remain in the family but will likely be leased to another business – at least until another Deacy fancies taking it over, laughed Michael Snr.

“We haven’t a notion of selling it – it’s in the family too long. There are still discussions going on. If I was 20 years younger, I would develop it myself but we’re as well off to let somebody else do it.”

Their High Street neighbour, barber Tom Nally, said the closure of two of the oldest city traders would have a devastating effect on the area.

“I can’t believe it – two gone in a matter of days and both shops I shopped in on a daily basis – everyone’s surprised by the suddenness of it all,” he said.
This is a preview only. To read the rest of this article and the history of both shops, see this week’s Galway City Tribune. Buy a digital edition of this week’s paper here, or download the app for Android or iPhone.