End of era as Mayo business to cease trading after 47 years

Castlebar Florists will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, April 19.

Helen O'Donnell, who set-up the business, has made the difficult decision to cease trading, closing a chapter that has spanned nearly five decades.

Founded by Helen and later taken over by her son, John, the business and its hard-working staff have served generations of families in Mayo by helping to mark the moments that count the most.

Castlebar Florists was founded in June 1978 and quickly became part of the fabric of Castlebar’s close-knit community on Spencer Street.

Helen said: “I loved every single day of it and I can’t thank our loyal customers and wonderful staff enough for their support and friendship down through the years.“

The world of flowers was 'a very different place' when Helen first opened the shop.

She explained: "There were no big stores to rely on and sourcing different kinds of plants often meant taking, what were considered long trips.

"I would travel all the way to Birr and Malahide to get a variety of plants which weren’t readily available here at the time.

"Our customers would eagerly await those special deliveries. They were simpler times.“

John took over the shop as the nature of the industry slowly began to change.

“At one time, flowers were purchased from lorries calling to the shop up to three times a week.

"Now we order online and they arrive by courier overnight. These days we have a website, social media, and a much more complex set of regulations. It’s a different world,“ he said.

One thing that never changed for John is “the joy in dealing with customers who are happy with your work."

"It’s a great feeling and something I will miss,” he added.

Saturday, April 19, will be the last chance for customers to visit the shop that has brought so much colour and joy to Castlebar for almost 50 years.