Lloyd's Lane trader first made shoes over 45 years ago

In an era when many consumers have been swapping shop windows for browser windows, the retail core of Athlone, and other towns, has been in a struggle to remain vibrant.

But behind it all, some long-standing traditional traders are quietly keeping their crafts alive, adapting to the changing times without abandoning what defines them. Loyal customers return to these traders for something the internet can't replicate: experience, trust and a personal connection built over years, even generations.

In this new series, REBEKAH O'REILLY speaks to some of these traders, starting with TONY QUINN who runs a shoe repairs and fishing tackle business on Lloyd's Lane in Athlone.

Talented craftsman and trader Tony Quinn has been engaged in the art of shoe-making for more than 45 years.

Having started in the shoe-making industry in 1979 at the tender age of 15, Tony worked for the world-famous Tutty's handmade shoe factory in Naas. He got involved in the industry by chance, learning to make shoes after getting hired for a cleaning job by the manager.

Taking the leap to move from his native Naas to Athlone in 1986, Tony worked in Burgess Department Store for nine months, before opening his own shop in Lloyd's Lane.

"The owner, Ian (Boles), was very good to me. I worked and lived in the shop for nine months," he said.

"Then I decided to open my own shop, and the people of Athlone got behind me. After the first six months, it went from strength to strength."

It was in the late 90s that Tony first noticed a change in consumer habits.

"From probably 1996, that's when the downturn came. Fast fashion started to become popular, and the quality of goods really downgraded," Tony said.

"The good-quality shoemakers, like Tutty's and Blackthorn, all took a hit. I had a lad working for me for 12 years, Anthony Finglas, and I had to let him go."

Tony had to adapt, deciding to incorporate fishing tackle and key-making into his repertoire.

"I got a loan from my father, God rest his soul, and I got into the fishing tackle," he said. I started to do shoe repairs, it was the handiest thing.

"Shoe-making is a very challenging job. You could spend 12 hours making a pair of shoes, and that's if you were working on them constantly."

He said another hit came in 2018, when a new one-way traffic system was introduced in Athlone. Tony believes the repercussions on Church Street and the town centre have been huge.

"The main street of the town became a dead zone. There's no parking, and there's no major retailer willing to commit to a unit on Church Street.

"When I came to Athlone, Lloyd's Lane was part of the main artery of the town, and there were 50 spaces in front of the town hall," he said.

"Now it's just hang-out space. I'd love to see that reversed, we need the council to facilitate something to bring business back into the town."

Speaking about potential improvements that could contribute to a revival of Church Street and surrounding areas, Tony said: "Everything is focused on the shopping centres now. They've got ample parking, and people are interested in comfort shopping and convenience.

"We need more parking on Church Street. I'd also suggest a through road from Burgess Park, coming through Wolfe Tone Terrace, but there would be objections to that too."

Despite the challenges he's faced in his professional life, Tony continues his work for the love of the craft.

"I don’t do pretty, I do the best I can," he said. "I love a challenge, and I love my job. Every day is different, no two days are the same. You're always learning, and developing your skills."

When asked whether he feels there's anyone coming behind him to take up the trade of shoe-making, Tony said that, unfortunately, he believes it's a dying art.

"There's nobody coming up. The last survey that was done, there were only 34 cobblers left in the whole country. I’d say it’s a dying trade," he said.

"We haven’t enough tradesmen in the country, and we're seeing the impact. Things won't change, I don't think. Some of the best products in the world were made in Ireland and Europe.

"Now, we live in a throwaway society. We don’t see what goes on behind the scenes, we just see the product: cheap and convenient. I'd love to see a place for keeping trades and skills alive. A centre for training people would keep those ambitions open."

Tony spoke warmly of his family, adding that they are "the most important thing" to him. Married to Clonown woman Catherine since 1989, he and his wife have raised five children together, and are now grandparents to five grandchildren.

"I wouldn't have nothing if it wasn't for my wife. She was always good to me through the hard times," Tony said.

"Life is a journey, and it's getting shorter for me, but I know it'll be a long and happy journey for them."