A SLICE of local life has ended in Hospital with the closure of the only butchers shop in the town. Once upon a time, Hospital was home to three butcher shops. The last man standing was Pat Whelan who kept the O’Byrne Bro’s name, dating back over 100 years, over the door. Pat told the Limerick Leader it was a great 37 years that he spent as a butcher in Hospital. Twenty seven years were spent with Nicholas Cooke. Pat took over 10 years ago after he retired. “The shop was a big part of the town and the locality. Customers came from all the surrounding villages to buy their meat and even people passing through to Cork or Limerick would stop off to buy their meat from a traditional butcher shop. “Our meat was all local - beef and lamb bought from local farmers. Fresh burgers made every day were a specialty. Many customers would not just come for the meat but also a chat, a cup of tea or to meet others. There were great chats and banter had in the shop. We were always there to help anyone that might be stuck for something,” said Pat. However, he said he unfortunately had to make the decision to close the doors. “It was due to the continuing increase in the price of beef and lamb, as well as the increased costs of electricity, insurance etc,” said Pat, who wished to thank all his customers from the Hospital area and surrounding villages, friends and family who supported him over the years. It was a true family business as Pat and wife Evelyn’s three sons - Michael, Eli and Shane worked in the shop during holidays while Evelyn did the books. They also had a lot of transition year students come in on work experience who ended up working part-time after school and weekends. READ MORE: Global coffeehouse chain and prominent book store both set to open in Limerick Auctioneer in Hospital, former mayor and councillor Ger Mitchell said: “The people of Hospital are all saddened, including myself, at the closure. “We had a fantastic selection of butchers but unfortunately due to the times
Knife in the heart of Limerick town as last butcher shop closes doors
