The White Gallows is set in west Meath, in and around the towns of Athboy and Trim. There isn't a huge amount of action in the town of Athboy itself, but I give a plug to a couple of businesses, including McElhinney Fashions, a department store that runs down one side of the main street. Opening in 1937, it became something on an institution, with people travelling from all over Ireland to buy outfits for special occasions such as marriages, communions and confirmations. Yesterday it announced that it is closing with the loss of 56 full and part-time jobs, one of hundreds of businesses that have closed in Ireland during this recession. McElhinneys for Men will continue to trade as it is not part of the same company (and comes recommended - I bought a couple of good shirts there), but even so, it doesn't seem to bode to well when one of the places mentioned in the book shuts before the book is even officially published!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Not sure if this bodes well ...
The White Gallows is set in west Meath, in and around the towns of Athboy and Trim. There isn't a huge amount of action in the town of Athboy itself, but I give a plug to a couple of businesses, including McElhinney Fashions, a department store that runs down one side of the main street. Opening in 1937, it became something on an institution, with people travelling from all over Ireland to buy outfits for special occasions such as marriages, communions and confirmations. Yesterday it announced that it is closing with the loss of 56 full and part-time jobs, one of hundreds of businesses that have closed in Ireland during this recession. McElhinneys for Men will continue to trade as it is not part of the same company (and comes recommended - I bought a couple of good shirts there), but even so, it doesn't seem to bode to well when one of the places mentioned in the book shuts before the book is even officially published!
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Rob - I am sorry to hear about the business closing. I think that's symptomatic of some larger economic forces that are closing down so many small communities. It's happening here in the U.S., too, and in that sense, it's quite sad. But I don't think it has anything to do with your book.
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