Long-standing family business Athlone is closing

A chapter in Athlone’s commercial history will end in the coming weeks with the retirement of Angela Blacoe and the closure of her family’s long-standing jewelery business.

The Mardyke Street store, registered in the name of Angela’s late son, James Blacoe, is beginning to wind down operations ahead of a planned closure by the end of June.

When the business closes its doors it will also mean that, for the first time in some 70 years, the Blacoe name will no longer be part of Athlone’s commercial landscape.

Angela is now 83 years old and said this was the main factor in her decision to close the store.

“Age is the main reason. I’m in my 80s, so it’s time to retire,” the Coosan resident said. “I wouldn’t be in the store all the time, but generally I’m there every day for a while.”

The company was founded by Frank Blacoe in the mid-1950s, near the former Ritz Cinema. Frank then formed a partnership with his brother Bob, Angela’s late husband, and the shop moved to Church Street in the early 1960s.

Angela herself has worked in the business since 1962 and after it moved to Mardyke Street it was handed over to her son James thirteen years ago.

While she first retired from the business in 2011 and began to enjoy life outside the jewelry industry, she continued to assist James when employees were on vacation or during busier times of the year such as December.

James’ untimely death in August 2020 saw Angela return to leadership of the company, and she has now run it for almost four years.

She told me Westmeath independent she will be sad if the name Blacoe disappears from Athlone’s commercial life.

“It’s sad. I’m going to be very upset about it myself. Bob’s nieces and nephews are in Dublin. I just recently told them (about the closure) and they are very sad about it too. But there is no one to care to take over.”

Blacoe’s has served generations of families in the Athlone area, selling countless pieces of jewelry for weddings and other important occasions in people’s lives.

“I always said me and Bob married a lot of people!” Angela joked.

“We have had very good, loyal customers and we are extremely grateful to them all for their valued support over the years.

“But like myself, many of our customers have gotten older, and many of them are gone. You can’t stop that.”

When asked about her plans for the coming years, Angela said she was looking forward to doing some traveling without having to check into the store while she was away.

Michael Flynn, accountant and director of the company, stressed the importance of people supporting their local traders, and he asked the public to make a conscious effort to keep other long-established businesses operating in Athlone.

Angela and Michael also spoke of their gratitude for the wonderful, loyal staff at Blacoe’s who have worked with enthusiasm, dedication and good humor over the years.

They said that special gratitude was due to the current team of Barbara Duignan, Margaret Duffy and Theresa Carey, and that a special mention must also go to Anne Larkin, who was so faithful to Church Street over the years, alongside the late, and much more. cherished, Lily O’Meara.

Michael and Angela also encouraged those who may be in Galway to visit her son Robert’s shop, Blacoe Jewellers, at 4 Lower Abbeygate Street.

In Athlone, the store is launching a closing sale this weekend, and all customers with gift vouchers are encouraged to use them between now and the end of June.

Anyone who has submitted items for repairs is also asked to collect them in the coming weeks.