Gone fishing - Portlaoise's only fish shop shuts down
A well known and established fish shop in Laois has suddenly closed down, to the disappointment of traders and customers.
Daly's Seafoods was an outlet run by a Kerry based family fish company, and had sold a wide range of fresh Irish fish and shellfish in its Lyster Square shop for many years.
It was one of five shops nationwide operated by the Caherciveen company, with others in Thurles, Nenagh and Castleisland.
The owners had recently reduced the opening hours of the Portlaoise shop, citing a lack of staffing.
A sign went up on the door this week, and the shop was fully emptied out by Friday, October 27.
"Daly's are closing with deep regret this week. We would like to thank all our loyal customers through the years for their support. It was a pleasure serving you all. Michael and Kathleen Daly."
The Downtown Portlaoise traders group sent best wishes to the couple.
"Very sad news for Portlaoise with the closure of Daly's Seafood store in Lyster Square. We would like to thank Michael and Kathleen Daly for their continued support of Downtown Portlaoise over many years. Best of luck going forward," they said.
Many customers are disappointed at the closure, including Cathaoirleach of Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.
"Big loss to the town. Lovely fish and pleasant and helpful staff," she said.
"This will be a huge loss to the town - always the best of fresh fish. Always enjoyed the chats and laughs in there with the ladies. A real pity to see any business closing," another customer said.
"Not good news to see another shop closing - cost of doing business is exorbitant in Ireland and they need supports to keep them open," another commented.