A LITTLE bit of retail history is being made in Tullow on Wednesday evening when John Kenny serves customers in Abbey Stores for the last time.

John and his late wife Breda took over Abbey Stores 25 years ago in September 1984. The shop was closed at that time but together John and Breda worked hard to make the shop a success which wasn't easy with four small children. Two more children were to come along and as John jokingly said 'we finally figured out what was the cause!'

John works in the shop alongside his son David who is the shop manager and he is very grateful to the people of Tullow and the surrounding area who supported the business.

'We got loads of support in the good and the bad times and we were very grateful to the people who crossed our door otherwise, we would have had no living,' John said.

John is also very grateful to all the staff who worked in the shop down the years, particularly Sarah Flynn who was extremely loyal and stuck with him through the good and bad times. John recalls his late wife Breda and her marvelous contribution to the shop both behind the counter and handling the dreaded book-keeping attached to the shop.

Abbey Stores was often a market leader, opening early and closing late with a local delivery service. Today all the major supermarkets are offering the same service and the market is becoming a lot more competitive while the growth of the town is offering more challenges and opportunities.

Abbey Stores is being taken over by Kevin Nolan formerly of Supervalu and John wishes Kevin well. John is not leaving Tullow but hopes to open a new enterprise in the shop unit next door. the estate, Hillbrook Estate placed second, while Steepleview Crescent came first winning a cheque for ¤800.

The coveted Business Award was won by Glendale Retirement Home, Tullow. Michael Kelly the C.E.O. of County Carlow Enterprise Board congratulated Glendale Nursing Home and read a brief speech from judge Dr. Betsy Hickey which commented on the wonderful surroundings at Glendale Nursing Home "which provides residents with a home away from home, maximizing the use of its outdoor and indoor leisure areas for residents' use.

This space includes an enclosed sensory garden and residents' vegetable plot, two courtyards and ample outdoor space with walk ways leading to a duck pond with 15 hand reared ducks." Well done to all concerned. College of Art and Design NCAD for four years studying Art and Design Education.

This collection of work was produced for her final year degree show. The inspiration for her work came from her love of jewellery. In previous years Maryse concentrated on the shapes and colour of jewellery in her personal collection which was a combination of jewellery, beads, badges and buttons that were donated by friends and family who had no more use for them.

Concentrating on the highly patterned, kitchy and colourful compositions, Marysw wanted to transform these discarded possessions into new items to be used within her paintings. "One man's junk, is another man's treasure"