One of Fermanagh’s longest established businesses, Dowlers of Lisnaskea has changed ownership but is very much staying in local control.

Timothy Elliott, who has been company accountant for the past 27 years and his brother, Rodney, have bought a controlling interest in the firm which is set for a major refurbishment. Timothy said they were pleased to take the firm forward into the future.

“We are delighted. This is a lifetime’s dream for me,” he said.

“Local people are delighted that the business is continuing in local ownership,” he added.

The Dowlers Homestore in Enniskillen will be closing at the end of this month as already announced last July and the entire business will be concentrated in Lisnaskea. Whenever the re-organisation takes place, there will be around 45 people employed.

Dowlers in Lisnaskea has a range of services and outlets including builders suppliers, plumbing, home decor, jewellery and home store which includes an extensive range of tableware, glassware, kitchenware electrical appliances and fireside. It also provides an online wedding gift service.

Timothy Elliott is well known outside the business as owner of Manor Garden Centre and a renowned flower arranger while his brother, Rodney, moved from Maguiresbridge to South Dakota in the U.S. to establish a 2,000-cow dairy herd.

Dowlers has been run in recent years by David McMullen and Drew Wigham, who succeeded their fathers, James McMullen and Andy Wigham in the business. Both David and Drew have now decided to retire from the business.

The business was first established in 1923 when Frank Dowler, who was originally from Co. Leitrim, returned from Canada and purchased a business on the main street in Lisnaskea as a going concern on part of what is the present site. Mr. Dowler retired in 1951 and a management buy-out continued the business. As well as the McMullen and Wigham families, the management also included Frank Graham, whose daughter, Stella was subsequently involved and Eddie Morton.