“My name is Padraig Mulligan, we’ve been in business here since 1944. We are a pub and a hardware shop in Ballaghaderreen. My dad opened during the war, when things were hard to procure. Originally the business was a 6 day licence and we extended it to a 7 day licence, we open in the morning and we close at around 6pm.” Padraig Mulligan – J. Mulligan and Sons, Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
I was delighted to spend some time in Ballaghaderreen recently. I love finding places that are a little bit different and although I know about this shop (and have even shopped there), it took me a long time to pluck up the courage to go in for a chat. I was so glad that I did, Padraig is a gentleman and we had a wonderful chat.
Padraig told me that Ballaghaderreen had electricity in the early 1900s, even before some parts of America! You can read more about that here. I also heard how the Brian Mulligan’s Furniture Shop was damaged by the Black and Tans. I find these little snippets of history fascinating. Brian is Padraig’s brother – I think I need to revisit the town and go back for another chat. Thanks so much to Padraig for being so friendly and welcoming.
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