Beloved couple step down from management of well-known shop in Kilkenny

Michael and Alice Blanchfield are stepping down from their management roles at Blachfield's Centra in Mooncoin after more than two decades serving the local community.

On Sunday evening, the dynamic duo locked up the shop for the last time. "We want to thank our wonderful staff and customers for your loyalty, good humour and friendship over the last 23 years," they said in a statement.

"We will miss you all hugely! We also wish Donal and Ailish Hickson the very best of luck in their new venture."

Local football club Mooncoin Celtic FC were amongst the many local people and groups to pay tribute.

"We would like to wish the very best for the future to Michael and Alice Blanchfield who finished in their roles as not just owners of Centra Mooncoin but also as the custodians of the main hub in our village," the club said.

"Covid-19 was to prove challenging for so many in our country, but Blanchfield's were to the forefront in helping people locally and really excelled in how they helped the community during a very trying period," they added.

"Any shop that can sell one winning Lotto ticket is special but to sell two in the space of a few years was something else and will forever be in the history books (we still can’t believe it wasn’t the 300 club syndicate).

"As a club, we are extremely grateful for the support Michael and Alice showed us over the years in whatever way they could. Best of luck and good health going forward."