End of an era as much-loved Greenes Shoes Falcarragh closes its doors

A much-loved shop in West Donegal has announced its closure, with one employee working there just shy of 50 years.

Greenes Shoes has announced that they will be closing the doors of its original store in Falcarragh.

The shop was first opened by Charlie Greene in 1939. Originally a department store, it quickly became a hub for shopping in the Cloughaneely parish. For many people living here, Greenes is the place where they can fondly remember buying their first pair of shoes.

Alfie Greene, Charlie's son, continued his father's legacy, and brought fresh ideas to the family business, while maintaining the core values instilled in the shop; caring for the local community and promoting the Irish language.

Greenes department store in Falcarragh closed in 1989, however the shop continued to operate, and focused solely on selling footwear. The shop expanded beyond Falcarragh and became a successful franchise, opening at new locations in Letterkenny, Galway, and Limerick.

Sile Nic Aoidh, manager of Greenes Shoes in Falcarragh, started working there when she was just 15 years old in 1976. Now at 64, Sile is heartbroken that it is the end of an era but is reflecting on the fond memories she has of working there for almost fifty years.

"When I started working in 1976, there was a team of 12 employees, and it was a very busy shop," Síle tells DonegalLive.

"We developed strong bonds with each other and the shop became a second home for many of us."

"It was like a comedy, we'd sometimes have to ask the customers, are you being served?" Sile and her colleagues have become familiar faces in the community, having been a part of something that was deeply rooted in Cloughaneely's local life. She has taken the opportunity to extend her gratitude to everyone who has supported Greenes in Falcarragh over the decades.

"Our customers have been loyal and supportive; they made coming to work enjoyable for nearly five decades. They have been the heartbeat of the shop, and I will miss their smiles and stories."

"We became like family over the years."

"I'm saddened to see the shop go, but I am grateful for the memories and experiences that I have had here," she adds.

"Unfortunately, the rise of online shopping and migration has taken a toll on our base here, making it unsustainable for the shop to continue."

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"I would like to give a special mention to my fellow colleagues, Veronica, Frances, Denise, and Sile D, who were a pleasure to work with. And to thank our boss, Alfie for his leadership and support throughout my time here."

The shop when Alfie Greene started in 1964

“Finally, I would like to extend my appreciation to the staff at our sister stores, who have been supportive and friendly over the years, even from a distance."

"The shop has been the cornerstone of the town for decades and its closure will be deeply felt by locals and visitors alike."

Alfie Greene would also like to add that it has been a pleasure to serve all the people of Falcarragh and its surrounding areas for the last 60 years.

He would like to thank all his staff, past and present, that have worked with him over the last 60 years for all their dedication and good work.

Staff members from back in the good old days of Greenes

While the Falcarragh store is closing, Greenes Shoes continues to operate in two stores in Letterkenny, Galway, Limerick, and online at greenesshoes.com.

As a gesture of appreciation, Greenes are offering a 10 per cent online discount this weekend to their loyal Falcarragh customers for their unwavering support over the years.

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"Thank you very much to everyone that has bought shoes here over the last 60 years,” says Alfie.

“Go raibh mile maith agat, ulig slán agus beannacht.”

Alfie has also welcomed the public to drop by for a cup of tea and biscuits on Friday, October 17, to say one final goodbye.