Much-loved butcher's shop in Leitrim closes its doors after 45 years

Susan Thornton with her son Damian, along with her daughter Sharon and her children Grace and Oisín on the occasion of the sale of the family butcher shop on the New Line in Manorhamilton.

placeholder image — Susan Thornton with her son Damian, along with her daughter Sharon and her children Grace and Oisín on the occasion of the sale of the family butcher shop on the New Line in Manorhamilton.

Celebrating a retirement and business transition

On March 1st, 2025, the people of Manorhamilton bid farewell to a cherished family business as Thornton's Butcher Shop closed its doors after nearly 45 years of service. Susan Thornton, who along with her late husband Sean, opened the butcher shop in November 1979, has decided to retire and pass the baton to the next generation.

For decades, Thornton's Butcher Shop has been a staple of the local community, known for providing quality meats and excellent service to the residents of north Leitrim. On her last day, Susan was surrounded by friends, neighbors, and family who came to express their well-wishes for her retirement. Her son Damian, who has managed the business for the past several years, joined her in this milestone event, alongside her daughter Sharon and her grandchildren, Grace and Oisín.

In a heartfelt gesture, Shane Kerrigan, the new proprietor of the shop, presented Susan with a cake to mark the occasion, symbolizing a sweet end to an era of dedication and hard work. Although Susan is retiring, her legacy will continue. Damian, who has been an integral part of the business for many years, will remain in his managerial role under the new ownership, ensuring the continuation of the family tradition at Thornton’s Butcher Shop.

Neighbours and friends dropped in to Thornton’s butcher shop last Saturday to wish Susan Thornton a happy retirement after nearly 45 years behind the counter serving the people of north Leitrim.

As Susan embarks on this new chapter in her life, the shop’s loyal customers can rest assured that the quality and service they have come to expect from Thornton’s will remain in place, carried forward by Damian and the Kerrigan family. It truly is a case of having your cake and eating it, as the Thornton family celebrates not only a well-earned retirement but also a smooth transition of the business to a trusted new owner.

Thornton’s Butcher Shop has been more than just a business; it has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly half a century. As Susan steps into retirement, the impact of her work and the legacy of her family’s business will surely be remembered for years to come.