Moate business owners thank customers for support following closure

The owners of longstanding Moate business, Walsh's, have thanked customers for their "support over the years" following its closure on Saturday (October 31).

A bastion on the Main Street of Moate for eight decades, Walsh's closed its doors for business at the weekend with current owners John and Una Walsh serving the local and Midlands community since 1985.

In a publicly shared message, the owners expressed their appreciation for "all the good wishes we have received and now look forward to the next chapter of our lives".

The long-established clothing, drapery and footwear store has been a prominent presence on the business landscape of Moate since 1956.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent at the start of October, John said the daily interaction with customers will be "much missed".

"You get to know your customer, what is going on in their daily lives. With Moate being a small town, you get to know all those who come into your shop on a personal level and when we close our doors at the end of October, it is this aspect of the business which Una and I will miss most," John added.

As he reflected on his life in business earlier this month, John said he "never minded opening the door to customers each morning".

"Una and I have enjoyed a largely positive experience in business. Yes, we will certainly miss it, but we are looking forward to retirement and taking time to ourselves," John concluded.