Duignan's Drapery in Ballinamore closes its doors after 90 years

By Tommy Moran
Published 9th Dec 2022, 17:33 GMT
Andrew Burnsm Katie Duignan, Margaret Duignan and Sr Rita Duignanplaceholder image
Andrew Burnsm Katie Duignan, Margaret Duignan and Sr Rita Duignan
There was a large gathering of family, friends, neighbouring business people and the community on Friday last on Main Street, Ballinamore, to mark the closing of Duignan’s Drapery Shop after over 90 years in business, following Margaret Duignan’s decision to retire. It was a nostalgic occasion for the Duignan family and for the people of Main Street in particular to see such a long established business be no more.placeholder image
There was a large gathering of family, friends, neighbouring business people and the community on Friday last on Main Street, Ballinamore, to mark the closing of Duignan’s Drapery Shop after over 90 years in business, following Margaret Duignan’s decision to retire. It was a nostalgic occasion for the Duignan family and for the people of Main Street in particular to see such a long established business be no more.

Many present spoke of their memories of the early years when James Duignan set up the business and diversified into men’s, ladies’ and children’s drapery, but also into a wholesale business for country shops in the surrounding areas and also did sweets and confectionery, both retail and wholesale.

The business thrived and James and Mrs Duignan were kept busy raising a family and looking after all sections of their occupation.

Names were recalled of people who had worked in the shop, including their children Noel, Francis, Mary, Rita and Gerarda and James’s sister in law Eileen, who also ran a pub with her husband Eddie further down Main Street and there were memories of Maura Crossan who worked for the Duignan family for years.

The atmosphere in the home and business was always cheery and welcoming.

Gerarda and Rita (now Sister Rita of the Mercy Order) recalled the trips to the wholesale draperies in Dublin and their excitement at seeing all the latest styles and this vein continued with Francis and Margaret’s daughter Katie also speaking of going to Dublin with her parents and watching out for the latest fashion that might be a top seller for the young generation in Ballinamore.placeholder image
Gerarda and Rita (now Sister Rita of the Mercy Order) recalled the trips to the wholesale draperies in Dublin and their excitement at seeing all the latest styles and this vein continued with Francis and Margaret’s daughter Katie also speaking of going to Dublin with her parents and watching out for the latest fashion that might be a top seller for the young generation in Ballinamore.

Margaret Duignan, Gerarda Burns, Assumpta Bohan and Katie Duignan

Katie is considering retiring from Ladies Football after a number of years starring with the Ballinamore and Leitrim teams in the LFGA. Her dad Francis won a number of championships with Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins while her uncle in law Tom Burns and his brother Brendan Burns have devoted their lives to all sections of the club and its development and then there are Katie’s cousins, the Murphy’s and McNiffs and Bohans and and and - round and round the story goes.

Margaret, whose husband Francis died some years ago, thanked all who had patronised the business over the years and paid tribute to the kindness always shown by her neighbours and other business people in the town.

Chairperson of Leitrim County Council Ita Reynolds Flynn and her brother Gerry Reynolds, who had lived beside the Duignan family for years, spoke emotionally and humorously about various escapades over the years and Fr Sean Mawn PP complimented Margaret and the Duignan family on their contribution to the business, social and parochial life of Ballinamore.

Seán Ó Súilleabháin was on hand to video-record and photograph the historic occasion.

Related topics:Ballinamore
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