The U14 St Aidan’s GAA football squad are pictured with Maureen Kenny of Maureen’s Foodstore on the occasion of her retirement during the summer. Maureen’s Foodstore served the Ballyforan community for 57 years.

Former Ballyforan business owner pays tribute to local community

Kevin O'Neill

Published: Fri 2 Oct 2026, 4:05 PM

Last updated: Fri 2 Oct 2026, 4:06 PM

The proprietor of Maureen's Foodstore in Ballyforan, which closed in July following 57 years in business, has issued a heartfelt thanks for all the well wishes she has received following her retirement.

Maureen brought to an end one of Ballyforan's longest-standing family businesses on July 5, in the process closing the door on a foodstore which has been a central part of the community since 1969.

As Maureen firmly closes the chapter on her business life, she has invited all members of the community to a Thanksgiving Mass which will take place in St Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan, on Sunday, October 4 at 10am, to "give thanks for all the blessings, friendships and wonderful memories I enjoyed throughout my 57 years in business".

As she settles into retirement, Maureen reflected on the closure of the business and the sense of community spirit with which the 'end of an era' has been recognised.

"I have been completely overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me since I made the decision to retire. The beautiful retirement cards, mass bouquets, flowers, candles, vouchers and messages meant so much. I was genuinely touched by the number of loyal customers from far and wide, along with friends and neighbours, who called in personally to wish me well," Maureen said.

Maureen said her final day in business is one which she will "remember for the rest of my life".

"To see such a large crowd gathered outside the shop was very emotional," Maureen said.

She recalled the 56 years spent alongside her late husband Pete and paid tribute to her "wonderful" family, without whom she said the "last 57 years would have been possible".

Members of the Four Roads senior camogie team pay tribute to Maureen Kenny of Maureen’s Foodstore in Ballyforan upon the closure of her business during the summer.

"My children and grandchildren have been part of the shop almost since the day they were born. I especially miss my beloved Pete, who was by my side for 56 years. I know how proud he would have been to see the wonderful send-off I received, and I could feel his presence with me as I closed the doors for the final time," Maureen added.

Maureen also paid tribute to her former colleagues in Maureen's Foodstore, particularly Yvonne, "who worked alongside me for 36 years".

"Marie, Martin and James were also a great support to me over the past 20 years. Cait and Linda were always helping in the background and continue to be there for me now as I settle into retirement. I was lucky to have Deborah and Gavin work with me, they are the next generation, and I hope they can always say they got a ‘good start’ in Maureeen’s Foodstore," Maureen added.

Maureen added that it was her colleagues who made "each working day more enjoyable" and "helped make Maureen’s Foodstore the kind of shop it was".

"Our customers enjoyed the daily conversations and appreciated being recognised, greeted by name and treated as friends rather than simply customers.

"Good service and a personal touch were always at the heart of the shop, and I am very proud that so many customers stayed loyal to us for generations. To everyone who worked with me over the years, thank you for the part you played in making the shop such a unique and special place," she stated.

Maureen called on the Ballyforan community to continue to "support local" and thanked the local community organisations and sporting clubs for all their "parting gifts" and "words of kindness" in advance of her retirement.

"Our school, shop, church, GAA club and community organisations are what keep villages like Ballyforan alive. They can only continue to thrive if we all support them," she stated.

In retirement, Maureen is enjoying her downtime, "visiting friends and neighbours" and "spending quality time with my grandchildren".

"This involves going to an awful lot of camogie, football, hurling and soccer matches, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It is wonderful to watch them grow and learn, and I look forward to every visit they make to granny’s kitchen, where the door will always be open and there will always be a dinner ready," Maureen said.

As Maureen firmly closes the chapter on her business life, she has invited all members of the community to a Thanksgiving Mass which will take place in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan, on Sunday, October 4 at 10am, to "give thanks for all the blessings, friendships and wonderful memories I enjoyed throughout my 57 years in business".

Following mass on Sunday morning, Maureen will host a social gathering in the front garden of her home to acknowledge the community's "collective kindness, support and well wishes".

"To every customer, friend, neighbour, supplier, club, organisation and member of my family who has been part of Maureen’s Foodstore over the past 57 years, thank you," Maureen concluded.