Fitz Hire – 35 years of service
The countdown has started for the retirement of Padraig Fitzpatrick and, though his commercial enterprise is going well, the popular businessman feels it is time to bring an extensive career to a conclusion.
Fitz Hire has given three and a half decades of service to the people of Belturbet and the surrounding areas. “I started out working with Jimmy Mulcahey in Wheels on Farnham Street in Cavan,” Padraig told the Celt.
“They sold lawnmowers, motorbikes, push bikes, chainsaws and gardening equipment. I was with him for a number of years, when I left in 1986 I started up my own business in Bridge Street, Belturbet. We moved down to Creeny in 2016.”
In the intervening years the business has expanded: “It's changed a good bit. There are a lot more regulations now. The business is still very strong. We have a great customer base. I enjoyed it, but it has just come time for me to pack it in.”
Padraig says one aspect of his service has really taken off: “In the last three years there has been an explosion of interest in gardening. People had time on their hands during the lockdown and started to put more time into gardening. The advice and support Fitz Hire offer was really appreciated.”
There is more than one string to the bow of Fitz Hire: “Tool Hire is one aspect of the business, but the sale of lawnmowers is very good at the moment. Ride on and robotic lawnmowers have become very popular, as are hedge trimmers, strimmers and blowers. We also do repairs and servicing.”
Bargains
Padraig says the closing of the business is a chance for customers to bag a bargain: “There will be great bargains available. We are knocking 20% off everything in the shop, right across the board. We have ex-hire stock on sale from Kangos to seed sowers and everything in between.
The sale will run for about a week from March 21 to March 31. Padraig says he is sad to wind up the business: “We have had great customers, very loyal customers.
“The one regret I have is saying goodbye to them, but hopefully someone will lift the baton. I want to thank people for their business over the years. We have had great customers who helped us build to the flourishing business we are today. I would also like to thank the staff at Fitz Hire, without their help it would not be the business it is today.”
Padraig is urging people to come in and collect whatever equipment they have left in for repair as the business will close the doors for good on March 31.