End of an era for Murphy Jewellers

End of an era for Murphy Jewellers

14 December 2016

A DOWNPATRICK jewellers’ shop is to close at the end of the year after 55 years in business.

An era will end when Murphy Jewellers closes its doors in St Patrick’s Avenue for the last time at 5pm on New Year’s Eve.

Mrs Monty Murphy says she has taken the decision to close “with great reluctance” and has paid tribute to her staff and many customers for their loyalty and support.

Mrs Murphy said her late husband, Willie, who died in April aged 81, had been the driving force behind the business.

“We have had a great time in Downpatrick and I would like to thank our many customers for their support down the years,” she said. “A lot of people have told us how sad they are that we will not be here in the New Year.”

Murphy Jewellers opened in the early 1960s above a barber’s shop in Irish Street. Mr Murphy, who was originally from Strangford, was a trained watchmaker, who had served a seven-year apprenticeship in London and Dublin.

After a number of years the thriving business moved across the street to ground floor premises and Mr Murphy was joined for a time by his younger brother, Jack, who went to establish his own highly successful jewellers in Newry.

In the early 1970s there was another move to Market Street in order to be closer to the commercial centre of the town. The larger premises also enabled Mr Murphy to develop and expand his range of jewellery, watches and giftware. There was a later move to the current premises in St Patrick’s Avenue.

Murphy Jewellers became the place to go for that must-have watch and for couples choosing their engagement and wedding rings. Mr and Mrs Murphy were also great supporters of local organisations and gave generously to charity.

Elaine Moore, who has worked at Murphy Jewellers for 42 years, said she felt she was part of “one big family.”

“I started here when I was 20,” she recalled. “Coming to work was never a problem. I enjoyed every minute of it. Mr Murphy trusted his staff and gave us a free hand. We were all in it together and it’s been a great place to work.

Donna McCullough, who has been there for 33 years, said: “Mr and Mrs Murphy were great bosses. You really were allowed to do your own thing. We also had lovely customers and it’s going to be very sad when the shop closes.

Roisin Ward started at Murphy Jewellers when she was 16. She’s not a regular member of staff but, as she puts it, “s in from time to time.”

“Willie and Monty have been a huge part of my life and New Year’s Eve is going to be very emotional for all of us.”

Mrs Murphy said she and her husband were fortunate to have such loyal staff. “I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for us. They have been absolutely wonderful.”

She admits that she will be “devastated” when she turns the key for the last time and will be thinking about her late husband.

“Willie put his heart and soul into the business,” she said. “Sadly he will not be here when we close, but I am gratified that he is fondly remembered by so many people.”