End of an era as popular family-run Kilkenny shop closing down
Outpouring of well-wishes and memories as family-run Kilkenny shop to close its doors for the final time...
Kinsella's Shop on High Street in Graignamanagh will close its doors for the final time this afternoon (Friday), bringing an end to almost 50 years of serving the local community.
The announcement was made online yesterday by the son of Irene Kinsella, the much-loved shopkeeper who passed away earlier this year.
"Tomorrow (Friday) will be a sad day for our family as we close the doors of Kinsella's Shop in High Street after 48 years serving our community," he wrote.
"Mam's passing in March took a large part of it with her and now the time is right to let Dad, Bonnie and Marie retire.
We thank all the families, friends and neighbours who supported us through the years and shared your lives through good and bad times with us all.
"We thank all the families, friends and neighbours who supported us through the years and shared your lives through good and bad times with us all.
"The end of an era for sure... We open one last time from 8am to 2pm if you'd like to pop in one last time."
The announcement prompted an outpouring of memories from customers, many recalling the role the family-run shop played in their childhoods.
One woman described Kinsella's as "a core memory", remembering crossing the road from her grandmother's house to buy Brylcreem for her great-uncle before he headed to The Globe.
She also recalled the kindness shown by the Kinsella family whenever she visited.
We have fond memories of going down to Irene's for sweets. It won't be the same in High Street now.
"Whenever I went into Kinsella's as a child I loved how I could choose whatever I liked and when I went to pay they would say, 'You're Willie Holden's daughter, you don't need to pay.'"
Although she no longer has family ties to Graignamanagh, she said she has brought her own children back over the years to show them where their grandfather grew up—and to visit Kinsella's Shop.
Others remembered the excitement of childhood trips for sweets.
"It was such a huge part of our childhoods," one person wrote. "We the Fenlons of Coolroe will miss Kinsella's Shop. We have fond memories of going down to Irene's for sweets. It won't be the same in High Street now, but I want to wish Ted, Bonnie and Marie all the very best. Enjoy your retirement."
Many also paid tribute to the service Ted and Irene provided over the decades.
"Thank you for all the years of looking after us," another wrote. "Ted and Irene were most obliging. If there was something specific you needed they would find it for you. Amazing people, and always had time for a chat. Thank you again and happy retirement to Ted, Bonnie and Marie."