Pub’s charm retained in change to charity shop
Image 1 of 3
Valeriia Rozdymakha, Aileen Kenny and Josie Patterson in Vincent’s Balljamesduff. Formerly Colm’s Bar.Image 2 of 3
SVP worker Valeriia Rozdymakha putting size cubes on donated clothing.Image 3 of 3
Relief Manager for Saint Vincent de Paul Josie Patterson outside the Ballyjamesduff shop.A Vincent's charity shop that was once a pub in Ballyjamesduff has been officially opened. The location at the top of Main Street was formerly known as Colm’s Bar, now transformed into a second-hand shop. The store had been sourced before Covid 19 however, the pandemic meant that it was well into 2022 before it finally opened its doors. In that brief time the staff and local SVP Sacred Heart Conference members have made it a thriving centre of activity.
Previously the Vincent's Shop had been operating in Ballyjamesduff since 2012 from a renovated townhouse on Granard Street.
The grand opening took place on Saturday. Local people came to support the event, with refreshments donated by The Town Diner in Ballyjamesduff.
Upon entering, the legacy of the building's former days as a pub still lingers, with old bar doors, taps and pictures hung on the wall. Nestled among them are second-hand ornaments, males', females' and children’s clothing in size order, toys, books, jewellery and more.
The pub memorabilia is not for re-sale, Relief Manager for Saint Vincent de Paul Josie Patterson explained. They belong to the history of the premises.
The Carrickmacross woman visited the store last Thursday for the first time, while covering for Manager Sandra Simpson. She is the Relief Area Manager for all stores in the northeast and Midlands of Ireland.
Having visited many Saint Vincent de Paul shops, Josie was extremely impressed by the organisation of the Ballyjamesduff store.
“It’s fantastic,” she beamed. As she explained how each item of clothing is placed in size order, Valeriia Rozdymakha, a woman from Ukraine who has been working in the store since March, was placing size cubes on hangers while sorting through donated clothing.
“The staff has a big role in all of the stores,” Josie said. “Only for the staff the stores wouldn’t operate.” “It is really organised,” she said, explaining that she knows people don’t like rummaging through clothes to find something in their size.
“Everything is just kept so neat.”
Fitted with changing rooms, the store has clothing for all events including weddings, workwear and casual wear. The attention to detail and friendliness of the staff makes St Vincent's the ultimate thrift haven.