McBrien Newsagents in Lisnaskea celebrated its 50 year anniversary at the weekend with a trip down memory lane.
Pictures and video footage from yesteryear helped to transport customers and staff alike back in time while prizes and refreshments provided a party atmosphere at the shop on Saturday.
Owner Johnny McBrien said the event had been organised as a tribute to his parents, Kathleen and the late Hugh, who took on the shop in 1968 from his mother’s aunt.
“It was previously Fitzpatrick’s Newsagents,” Mr. McBrien explained, “The property has been a newsagents for around 100 years but has been operating under the McBrien family name for 50 years.
“It is a good length of time to be in business!
“My mother and father worked hard for many years. I myself have been here for 33 years. I left school at 17 and came here - it is all I have known. It is a part of me and it is in my heart.”
Mr. McBrien said Saturday’s event was a chance to thank customers for all their support over they years.
“We had customers at the shop on Saturday who had been coming there the entire 50 years,” he said, “My mother is 83 now. She was there and was very happy to see the event going so well.”
Mr. McBrien said the family business has always been committed to “making sure customers are happy”.
“As long as they go out happy they will come back to you,” he said.
“Of course, you can’t be busy all the time, but it is the busy days that give you a lift and you are glad to be here!
“We are a small family business with a great team of staff. One staff member has been here 21 years - she knows everyone and everyone knows her.”
Mr. McBrien will be celebrating his own 50th later this year.
“I don’t know where I will be in another 50 years time but for now I am happy that we are going strong and I enjoy it,” he said.