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WATCH: Fitzsimons closes after more than a century

A beloved part of Virginia’s identity for more than 100 years, Fitzsimons has closed its doors for the last time. There are few residents who do not have a memory tied to the newsagents on Main Street Virginia. A place to meet, 'Going to Gerry’s' was a phrase still used 30 years since the popular shop owner passed away, and his eldest daughter Patricia took over.

“I’ve basically spent all my life here,” Patricia reflects the day before closing. Born in the house, from a very young age she and her two younger siblings Dolores and Bernie were part of the interior.

Besides the variety of items only found in local village shops, customers have valued Fitzsimons for the warmth and engagement offered. Like many others on the final days of closing, a grey haired woman walks in to wish the three “good luck”.

The legacy of the newsagents started long before Gerry bought the current premises in 1946. Born on the Ballyjamesduff Road, Patrick Fitzsimons opened a small shop next door to the present store in the 1920s.

“They will be sadly missed,” says Rosemary Kelly from O’Donoghue’s Pharmacy across the road. “They are part of the community, part of the family.”

After 56 years of first working in, and then ultimately running the shop, Patricia has decided to call it a day, even though letting go “is the biggest hurdle for me”.

For full feature, see the Celt newspaper this coming Wednesday.