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Ann McCourt in her Ballymacash shop before closing for the
last time last week. US1507-107A0
AFTER 35 years of serving the local community, a Lisburn woman
has pulled down the shutters of her grocery business for the
final time.
Last week Ann McCourt, 57, closed her shop - known to everyone
as 'Ann's Shop' - on the Ballymacash Road.
As the lease of the property was coming to an end, Ann decided
it was time to hang up her shopkeeper's apron and take life
easier. She explained: "It was my own decision to close but I am
sad to be saying goodbye to all my customers who have been so
loyal over the years."
 Ann
continued: "My father ran the shop before me so it has been part
of my life for a long time.
"Everyone has been so kind and I would like to thank all the
customers and councillors who have shown their appreciation with
lovely gifts."
Ann hasn't made any plans for the future but she is looking
forward to spending time with her family.
She said: "I haven't made my mind up about what I am going to do
now in my spare time. It will just be nice to take it easy as
running a small business does tie you down."
Local Councillor Jonathan Craig thanked Ann for her long service
to the community.
"Ann is well respected and thought of by the whole community and
I wish her a happy and well deserved retirement" he said.
Councillor William Leathern added: "Ann will be sorely missed as
not only did she provide a service in goods but also on many
occasions she acted as an agony aunt giving advice to many."
RIGHT - The pupils and staff of Ballymacash Primary
School said thank you to Ann McCourt at a special school
assembly. Presenting a gift on behalf of the school are P3
pupils Karen Davidson and Anna Geddis. Also pictured is the
school principal Mr Wes Gilmore and Christine Forsythe, a former
pupil, member of staff and friend of Mrs McCourt.
Ann McCourt outside her
shop with Deputy Mayor Jim Tinsley, former
customers, family and friends. US1507-106A0
Picture By: Aidan O'Reilly
Ann overwhelmed by kind
wishes
A LISBURN woman who pulled down the shutters of
her grocery shop for the last time recently, was overwhelmed by
the support and kindness shown by her loyal customers. Ann
McCourt, 57, served the local community for 35 years, in her
shop - known to everyone as Ann's Shop - on the Ballymacash
Road. When she decided to close the business in order to take
life a little bit easier her customers showered her with gifts
and kind wishes.
Ann explained: "After the article about the shop
closing appeared I had even more people wish me all the best for
my future. `Some people thought that the shop's lease was coming
to an end and that was why I decided to close but I just decided
that I wanted to take life easier and spend more
time with my family.
"I would like to thank all those people who have
been so kind and shown their appreciation to the service I
provided over the years in Ballymacash."
Ulster Star
13/04/2007
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