The final chapter has closed for Raincín, a beloved shop in Limerick town, marking the end of an era for local commerce. john Kelly, the current proprietor, has made the difficult decision to shutter the doors after 36 years of dedicated service, a move that has been met with sadness by the community.
The establishment, originally named Raincín in tribute to John’s late grandmother, Agnes, has a rich family history. Agnes, a native of Kildare, married Joseph, a garda stationed in dromcollogher and Croom. The couple relocated to Wexford following joseph’s transfer. Tragically, Joseph passed away suddenly just three months after the birth of their daughter, Patsy, in 1935, leaving Agnes a widow with no local support and no financial safety net. Her cousin’s grandfather, PJ Hogan, stepped in, bringing Agnes back to Adare and assisting her in establishing the shop.
From a young age, John’s mother, Patsy, was involved in the business, helping out at the till as soon as she was tall enough and later working there full-time after school. John followed a similar path, dedicating the last 36 years of his life to Raincín. His siblings, Oonagh and Trish, were also immersed in the family’s entrepreneurial spirit, as their father, Vincent Kelly, operated a bakery that later transitioned into a shop in Rathkeale until 1991.
Over the years, John expanded the shop’s offerings, though its core remained the essentials: milk, bread, and newspapers. He undertook renovations at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, introducing a coffee machine and focusing on Irish artisan food and drink, alongside a small selection of toys.
John’s parents, Patsy and Vincent, have both passed away; Patsy in 2004 and Vincent two years ago, shortly before his 90th birthday.
The decision to close Raincín had been a long time coming for John, who acknowledged working nearly 70 hours a week, seven days a week. He cited the evolving landscape of towns and villages, noting the decline of small, community-focused shops. “It’s the way things have gone,” John reflected, “when we were younger, these small shops were the hearts of a community – nowadays they’re kind of becoming fewer and fewer.” He highlighted the notable commitment required and the difficulty in achieving profitability given the hours invested, stating, “you can’t compete with the supermarkets ultimately.”
Having successfully secured a new job, John felt it was the right time to make the “sad decision” to close Raincín. He anticipates working “nearly half the hours” in his new role. Importantly, John will retain ownership of the building, a fact that brings him some solace. “It would be a lot worse if I was forced to close. It would be a lot sadder. I’m doing it on my own terms,” he stated.
The final day of trading saw a significant turnout of customers,many of whom had patronized Raincín since childhood,purchasing sweets and newspapers. the shop, wich John had planned to close at 3 pm, remained open until 6:30 pm due to the steady stream of well-wishers. The atmosphere was described as a “great occasion” with friends and customers sharing memories over coffee and cake in the pleasant weather.
john expressed his profound gratitude to his loyal customers, acknowledging them as “the core of the business,” and shared that he received an “incredible amount of cards and well wishes.” He and his sisters are immensely proud of their grandmother Agnes for her pioneering spirit in starting the business and their parents for their dedication in continuing it. john concluded by expressing his belief that Agnes would be proud of the business’s longevity.
