Time for people to ‘cop on’ - retailer

A business owner in west Cavan has expressed her anger at having to close her store for a second time this year.

Tara Donohoe from the Hidden Treasures gift store and the Craft Cabin in Ballyconnell feels retailers are paying the price for the misdemeanours of others: “We have to roll with the punches. Initially, I was a little bit angry.

“We were following all the guidelines in the store and were very vigilant. Yet other people have not been and we feel that we have been punished a little bit.

“To think other people have not followed the Covid guidelines and they are the cause of this is a bitter pill to swallow. I do hope people cop on now and see that it does have real ramifications.

She’s calling on people to follow the public health advice and says it’s not necessary to physically visit someone to stay in touch. “Don’t bemoan the fact that you can’t visit your mother, send her a little gift or write to her or phone her. There are things we can do to keep in contact with people,” she said.

While the door in the shop will remain close, Tara said it will continue to trade online and provide a click and collect service.

“This is all within the guidelines and we will be operated on a very reduced income,” said Tara.