Belturbet business closes after 79 years

"It was like a scene from Coronation Street," the owner of McMahon's furniture store in Belturbet, Tommy McMahon, described the scene as dozens of other business people and friends gathered at the shop before the doors were closed for the final time last weekend. The closure of this landmark business illustrates how the recession and changing shopping habits mean small businesses in border towns face a bleak future. "I think all the people who come to our shop today to say goodbye were sad at what is happening to us and to our shop," said Tommy. "Perhaps many of the business people are fearing that the same thing may happen to them." Asked if he had a message for Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his new government, Tommy said that little can be done for towns like Belturbet, until governments make a real effort to balance out the economies north and south. "As it currently stands, people from here will always shop in the North where goods are cheaper," he added. The McMahon family have been involved in the business since 1932. Tommy explained that his parents, Jimmy and Julia, purchased one half of the shop then, when it focused on selling groceries. They later progressed to wholesaling groceries to the small shops around the area. As they built up their business, they acquired the second part of the premises, which has been a landmark in the towns streetscape for all the intervening years. Groceries, coal and general hardware were integral parts of the business for many decades and McMahon's was also known for good value furniture. Angling tourism was a major part of Belturbet life during the 1950s-70s and McMahons responded to the demand for fishing tackle at the beginning of that period. Tommy explained that his mother Julia was a charitable business lady and strove at all times to pass on the best value possible to the customers. "When people had no money, she would give them extended credit and was always happy to be in the position to do so," said Tommy. He explained that was in stark contrast with the multi-nationals selling at keen prices today, but there are no credit terms on offer. Many dedicated men worked in the shop over the years, including Willie Millar in the grocery end, Willie Howe, who bagged and delivered coal supplies, and Richard Gibson, who sold boots and shoes. Vincent McDonald joined the sales staff in August 1979 and his professional and friendly manner endeared him to all the customers. Being a family business from the outset, it was not surprising that Tommy was involved from a young age. His parents Jimmy and Julia were at the helm until the early 1990s and Tommy's daughter, Tanya, has worked in the shop for the last decade. When asked how a town like Belturbet can weather the recession, Tommy said they would have to venture into offering a new, specialised tourism product, and not just a focus on the old angling tourism. Tommy and his wife, Miriam, who also worked as part of the team in the shop, have two sons, Ciaran who works in Quinn Direct, Seamus, who is working on a business project, and daughters Tanya, Edel, who is teaching in Dublin, and Yvonne, who is teaching in Ballyconnell. What will you do with your spare time now Tommy? "Focus even more on the row boat club and let young people enjoy the joys of water sports." Tommy will also be promoting cross community projects and hopes to have young people from the North enjoying the freedom of the rowing with the youth of Belturbet.