Joanne O’Reilly putting the finishing touches to a client’s hair, just before closing down the Hair Gallery at Bridge Street in Cavan on Thursday evening.

‘Bills keep mounting’

Sean McMahon

Published: Thu 22 Oct 2020, 8:12 AM

Joanne O’Reilly, proprietor of Hair Gallery, was finishing up with clients in her salon when the Celt called last Thursday evening ahead of Level Four lockdown (we are now moving into Level Five).

“I don’t really know what to think at this stage. It has been so sudden on this occasion. Everyone has been mad today to get their hair done,” said Joanne of the last-minute rush.

Joanne has been trading on Bridge Street in Cavan Town for 23 years. She says her biggest challenge in times of lockdown are “bills keep mounting”.

“I think that is a concern for every business at this stage and Christmas on the horizon,” said the hairdresser and businesswoman.

“The concern with our business is that we do spend a lot of time with our clients; while you can go into a supermarket, pick up what you want, keep out of people’s way and get out,” she continued.

Joanne said she literally did not have time to investigate supports such as small business grants or restart grants from the Government.

“Tomorrow I will look at all that going forward,” she said.