Dun Laoghaire’s Last Corner Shop has closed, as its owner John Hyland (69) retires after 50 years of working as a newsagent.
He has run the iconic shop for the past 16 years.
The old-style newsagent and tobacconist, which is well-known to local traders and residents in the area, is best known for its shelves featuring a mix of items such as nappies, deodorants, and peanut butter side by side, and its overflowing tables of newspapers and magazines.
Speaking with the Irish Independent, John said, “It’s been a wonderful business. It’s addictive. You work very long hours. I love newspapers and magazines, and I always wanted to push them.”
“It’s sad, because I’m very attached to my customers, and I feel like I’m letting them down by going, but it’s happy because of the sense of freedom. I’m 69 and in good health, so I’m retiring at my peak,” he said.
'Never Been Bored'
John told the newspaper, “There’s lots of things I’ve never done that I’d like to do. I love the art gallery but usually I’m rushing around it real quick, so at least now I’ll have more time to savour it."
“I’ve never been bored here. I’ve never been bored in my life. I’ve had a lot of regular customers, and transient customers too as people come and go,” he added.
“I’m a fairly simple person. I don’t have any extravagant tastes. I’m easy to please. I want to see a bit of the country too and do some cycling. I want to do the Barrow Greenway. I love the countryside."
It is believed that the Corner Shop is being taken over by a new owner and is due to reopen in the coming weeks.
However, according to the Irish Independent, Hyland has vowed to continue with his morning paper round for customers he has delivered to for years.
Checkout’s Local Newsagent
As Checkout’s local newsagent for many years we benefited from John’s resourcefulness, when he had the canny ability to source any international magazine on request, or find copies of the national newspapers weeks after they were issued.
We are sad to see him go, but wish him the very best for his retirement.
2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
