Popular Limerick corner shop to close after decades

A LANDMARK corner shop in Limerick city centre is to close after decades of trading.

Bobby Byrne's Corner Shop in O'Connell Avenue will be shuttered this Friday, the proprietor of the business Cian Conroy has confirmed.

The publican applied for planning permission from council to change the use of the off-licence and retail unit to a bar and restaurant.

Planners gave the green light last month and this has paved the way for the changes.

It brings the curtain down on decades of the unit trading as a corner shop. In 1999, the shop came into the ownership of the Byrne family, and operated alongside the pub.

Prior to that, it was known as Sexton's, operating as a corner shop. At one point it was even divided into two general stores Walsh's and Sexton's.

The unit's use for retail also pre-dates the opening of Bobby Byrne's pub, where pints began to be poured in 1963.

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In a statement posted to social media, Mr Conroy wrote: "It is the end of an era but the start of an exciting new chapter for Bobby’s! On Friday, we will close the doors of Bobby’s Corner Shop for the last time. The team and I would like to thank our customers for many years of your custom, comradery, and loyalty. I would like to personally thank the shop staff members for their hard-work and dedication which has made Bobby’s corner shop so special."

He added a renovation is to take place, which will see the unit be used as a coffee house in the morning, a carvery at lunchtime, and a larger area to give its customers "an enhanced viewing capacity to shout for your favourite sports teams."

It remains business as usual at Bobby Byrne's pub while the renovations take place, Mr Conroy concluded.

Bobby Byrne's pub was opened by the two-time Mayor of Limerick, who had the same name.

It was sold to Mr Conroy last year.