Argue Meats serving Cootehill for 50 years

Argue Meats, 8 Bridge Street, Cootehill, is a dynamic and progressive retail butcher shop and has been serving the people of Cootehill and the surrounding area for the past 50 years. Opened in 1960 by Raymond Argue, the Argues pride themselves on not just offering the very best meat at competitive prices, but also for giving their customers a warm welcome when they enter their shop. While Raymond is still very involved in the family business, he has passed the reins over to his sons Thomas and Sean. "I feel we can put our success down to excellent customer service, quality Irish produce, continual variety and innovation as well as great value for money in a modern shopping environment. Customers these days like to know that they are buying Irish products and in addition to that, they like to know exactly where they comes from," said Thomas. They have years of experience supplying their customers with friendly service and products at affordable prices. The Argues also take special pride in saying that their beef and lamb comes from locally based farms. They are a modern retail business firmly focused on delivering quality of product, value and excellent service to their customers and potential customers. Over the past half-century they have developed as a centre of excellence in meat retailing. With a passion for high standards, innovation and quality, they make every effort to achieve excellence in everything they do so as to ensure their customers have a superior shopping experience. Argue Meats is also a founder member of the Associated Craft Butchers in Ireland (ACBI), a body that recognises exceptional excellence of butchering in Ireland. Over the past five decades, Argue Meats has developed an excellent reputation across the Cootehill area, based on their commitment to quality, value and customer satisfaction. If you require beef, pork, lamb, poultry or bacon you can rely on them for efficient service and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The staff are highly trained and offer a professional, courteous and friendly service. "We would be delighted to hear from you if you have any ideas or product you would like to see in the shop or anything you think would enhance our service to you. So feel free to let us know. With your help we can only continue to improve," said Thomas. Established in March 1960 from humble beginnings, Argue Meats is now one of the county's best butchers. Sourcing local meat to ensure full traceability you can be sure of top quality pork, beef and lamb all year round. The business has come a long way in the last 50 years. Raymond opened for business on March 19, 1960, when his late father Tommy helped him to get the business established. Business in the early days was tough but Raymond had great support and help from his brothers and sisters . Raymond began serving his time with the late John Lennon in Main Street, Cootehill when he was just twelve years old. He left there and began working for Baxter's in Ballyconnell. From there he headed to the City of the Tribes, Galway, and took up a position with Kirwan's in Mainguard Street in the city centre. He returned to Cootehill in 1960 and with the help of his father set up T. Argue and Sons which later became known as Argue Meats. As Raymond points out; "things have changed dramatically in the business since I began in it. In those early days people mostly bought beef and lamb. Pork was scarce, while there was no chicken or fish." "There was no refrigeration or running water in the premises, while there was sawdust on the floor," he said. It was common for Raymond to work 14 or 16 hours a day in the early days. He is glad to see that things have changed for the better. Born and reared in Cootehill, Raymond is one of 12 children who are all still living in Ireland. A pioneer all his life he has a keen interest in GAA and is an avid supporter of the boys in blue. A sprightly 73-year-old Raymond still dispenses his wealth of experience to Thomas and Sean. Thomas began working for his father when he left school. Having completed a Diploma in Butchering in DIT, Thomas took over the business in 2000. According to Thomas: "Times are changing and so are shoppers' habits. We are striving to offer as many innovative products as possible and are continually looking to improve our impact on the environment by sourcing all of our products locally." As the business grew, Sean joined him 18 months ago having worked in management in the hotel trade for many years. He has also worked and travelled abroad. About two years ago the Argues decided to increase the size of the shop and carried out a major renovation project. The fruits of their labour can be seen as they now have a modern hygienic premises. The Argues operate their own EU licensed Abattoir located on Cavan Street. This, combined with the father's expertise and the fact that they source their meat from local farmers, makes this an excellent shop. They kill their own beef and lamb and most of their suppliers are within a 15-mile radius of the shop. The Argues comply with all EU regulations and traceability. While, Raymond may have put in 14 or 16 hour days Thomas and Sean are not adverse to putting in long hours themselves and often do 12 or 14 hour shifts when required. As Thomas say "you only get out what you put in." Argue Meats is open six days a week 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and Saturday from 8am to 7.30pm. In recent years they have increased their product range to satisfy their customers and now stock duck fillets, Italian style meatballs, lamb grill sticks, beef curry, chicken wraps as well as chicken Maryland. The shop also carries a wide range of sauces and vegetables. Derek O'Neill from Aughnamullen, just outside the town, is also a vital member of staff and has been employed for the past two years having worked previously in Ballybay. A cousin of the Argue's Patrick Duffy also works in the shop on a part-time basis. Raymond's wife, Mary, who teaches Maths and History in the local Comprehensive school in the town also worked in the shop. Thomas and Sean have a sister Maire who is a Garda based in Dublin. In recent years there has been an upsurge in business and the Argues have adapted accordingly. The product range has expanded but they still abide by the core values of the traditional butcher. Thomas reckons a job working for a butcher is a good career, but running your own shop is becoming more difficult. Argue Meats have been supplying the community of Cootehill and the surrounding areas with a wide range of high quality meat and speciality products, for the past 50-years and their customers can look forward to the next 50 with equal confidence. Raymond and Thomas would like to take this opportunity to thank their many loyal customers for their support over the years.