Popular Armagh family butchers announces permanent closure of business
It will be the end of an era this month when well-known Armagh City butchers, A Flanagan & Son will close their doors for the final time, citing the ongoing financial and energy crisis has left them “with no other choice”.
A stalwart of the retail and foodservice industry, the popular family butcher on Scotch Street has been trading as a ‘purveyor of high-class meat’ to Armagh city and district for over 90 years.
In a statement on their social media page, current proprietor David officially announced the business will close permanently on Saturday 25th November, adding it was a decision that had “not been taken lightly”.
In an emotional post, David thanked the many loyal customers who had shopped with them over the years, spanning generations of families.
“The current financial and energy crisis, along with rates, has left us with no choice. We have always offered high quality produce, along with value and have made the decision not to pass on these additional costs to our valued customers.
“We are ‘purveyors of high class meat’ and are proud, even throughout the financial crisis, to have maintained this.
APPRECIATION
“We realise this may have come as a shock to many, especially those whose unwavering loyalty brought them over the threshold of A Flanagan & Son week after week. We are so very sorry. Please accept our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
“Many of you came here holding the hands of your parents and now come holding the hands of your children and even grandchildren. We know so many of you as friends and not as customers. Thank you.”
David also had a special word of thanks for his 82-year-old father, who established the business and continues to run the family farm.
“There are no words to convey my love, admiration and appreciation. He built up the family business and made it such a success,” he added.
“Of course behind every great man is a great woman and here I must pay tribute to my late mother, who passed away earlier this year. She also was the backbone of the business, working alongside my father on many occasions. I am indebted to all the love, hard work and dedication my mother put into the family business. She is sorely missed.”
He also had special thanks for his staff, both past and present, “some of whom have been here many years”.
The business will operate as normal until 5.30pm on Saturday 25th November.
