ENNISCORTHY SHOPPERS were shocked to find that one of the town’s longest running family businesses had closed its doors for the final time last week, leaving a huge void in the local business community. Martin Doyle’s Butchers on Court Street had been in business for 47 years, but all of that came to an end on Wednesday of last week as it emerged that the head of the family-owned business Ger Doyle had been forced to close up and cease trading.
The business’ closure seems to have come as a huge shock all round, as just the day before the award winning butchers had posted special offers on their Facebook page. The shop didn’t open its doors on Wednesday, however, and a notice was placed in the window which stated that they had ceased trading and thanking their loyal customers for all their support over the past 47 years.
A meeting of creditors arising from the shop’s closure is to take place next Monday at the Rochestown Lodge Hotel & Spa in Dublin at 12 p.m. with the goal of appointing a liquidator and a committee of inspection.
The shop was founded by the late Martin Doyle and his wife Vera four years after they returned to Enniscorthy in 1965 having lived in London and Dundalk. They worked hard to build the family business and over the years it developed a wonderful reputation among the people of Enniscorthy and even managed to win awards.
Following Martin’s passing back in 1996, the reins were handed over to his sons – the late Jimmy and Ger. They continued to grow the business and build upon the sterling reputation that their father had created.
A number of former customers took to Facebook in recent days to mourn the loss of another business to the town and some questioned if enough was being done to support local businesses.
“Obviously it’s very sad to see such a long established business close up,” said President of Enniscorthy & District Chamber John Burke O’Leary. “I’d be deeply conscious of the loss to the Doyle family, their long-serving staff and the loss to the community as a whole. The recovery we’re currently experiencing around the country is a mixed recovery. Some sectors are still under severe pressure. The best thing that the Chamber can ask is that people try to shop local and look after local jobs and their local economy. €5 spent in a local family run business is worth three times more to the local economy than €5 spent in a larger multiple.”
When asked if enough was being done to help local businesses in Enniscorthy, Mr Burke O’Leary said: “Well from the Chamber’s point of view we’re doing all that we can to attract business and support existing businesses. We’re lucky to have two TDs locally which should be of great help going forward and there’s some major infrastructure on the way which should help matters. The council are doing all they can to help the situation as well, so I don’t think we can complain about our local officials.”
With the town now faced with another vacant shop front, the term “ghost town” is one which is being used a lot by those commenting on the situation on Facebook. The Chamber and the Council, however, remain optimistic that it’s not all doom and gloom and that with some new businesses opening their doors and work on the flood relief scheme and bypass underway, it’s only a matter of time before the green shoots of recovery become evident in the town.
Martin Doyle’s Butchers, Court St., Enniscorthy ceased trading after 47 years on Wednesday last. Pic: John Walsh