Joan to pull down shutters in McCartan’s after her father opened premises in 1945

18 January 2023

A DOWNPATRICK hair salon is closing its doors after almost 80 years.

For generations of people McCartan’s in Market Street was the place to go for a haircut, wash and blow dry, perm set or a bit of added colour.

But on January 28 owner Joan Burns and her team will be putting down their scissors for the last time and what has been a Downpatrick institution will be no more.

After 48 years of looking after the hair needs of countless clients, Joan says it’s time to call it a day, but admits that she will have regrets.

“I’ve loved every minute of it, the people we’ve met, the chats we’ve had and the friendships we’ve made,” she says.

“I’d like to thank all the people who have made it possible. I will miss them all.”

McCartan’s was opened in 1945 by Joan’s father, Bernard McCartan, who had his first barber’s shop in Irish Street beside the old police barracks.

It was for men only back then and over the years Bernard built up a large and loyal clientele who came for their regular short back and sides, or a shave expertly administered with a cut-throat razor — plus a friendly chat.

Sadly, Bernard died in 1968 aged just 57 and the business was taken over by his young son, Michael.

Joan joined Michael in 1975, by which time McCartan’s was catering for women, as well as men.

Joan had started her hairdressing career in the 1960s, training at Jean Briggs’s salon in Irish Street, which was later taken over by Colleen Lennon.

Joan and Michael made a good team. They were in the salon together for 38 years and were helped by many talented people, some of whom went on to start their own successful businesses.

Others preferred to stay at McCartan’s, notably Libby Orr, who was an ever present in the salon for over 40 years.

Joan took on sole ownership of the salon in 2002, although Michael stayed on for a few more years until he decided to retire in 2013 after a career lasting 55 years.

Joan says she has witnessed many changes down the years. “Hair styles change with the fashions,” she remarked. “I’ve seen all sorts of things. Right now all the young people want skin fades, but that will change too.”

But what has not changed is the friendly atmosphere and the welcoming smile people get when they sit down in the chair.

Joan says a visit to a salon is more than just a hair cut. “Sometimes it’s also a kind of therapy. People tell us their stories and we tell them ours. They can say things that they might not wish to tell to others.”

Joan says she’s grateful for the support, loyalty and friendship she has received from all her staff members, past and present, over the years.

“Without them all this would not be possible,” she said. “I would particularly like to thank Libby Orr, Rosaleen Holden and Anne Tumelty, who have supported me until this point and made this time all the more special.

“To our customers, thank you for your loyalty to our business over these many years. Without your support we would not have been here. I will miss you all.”

Joan says she is now looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Raymond, children Jennifer and Emma, grandchildren Dylan and Ellie, and her extended family.

However, she insists she will not be putting her feet up — she plans to have a long and active retirement.

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