By Rodney Farry
rodney@leitrimpost.com
Hopes that Connacht Gold would reverse it decision to close its Bornacoola store were finally dashed last Tuesday evening.
Following its monthly meeting in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, the Connacht Gold board confirmed that its decision to close the landmark store after over 110 years of business will not be overturned.
A delegation from the locality met with representatives from the firm’s board on January 11. While both sides described the meeting as “highly constructive”, the six man team was unable to persuade the firm to keep its Bornacoola store opened.
Speaking to the Leitrim Post, a Connacht Gold spokesperson stated the firm made the decision “after detailed consideration of the prevailing market environment and the ongoing strategic development of our agri-division.”
“Inconvenience to customers is minimal as they will continue to be served by Connacht Gold’s nearby stores in Mohill and Longford Town. In addition, the localised delivery service is being expanded to fully meet the requirements of the customers affected,” he concluded.
Local councillor Sean McGowan, who was a member of the delegation that met with the board, said that there is “disappointment and anger” in the Dromod area over the closure.
“We put forward a good case for the retention of the store and stressed that it wasn’t losing money. It’s a sign of the times I suppose. The high turnout at the public meeting just after Christmas showed how important the store was to the community.”