The old corner shop, a relic of a long gone era that we all have fond memories of.
Co Tyrone in particular had plenty of corner shops with great personalities spread across our towns and villages over the years.
We asked our MyTyrone readers to share their nostalgic memories of their visits to their favourite corner shops and the characters that owned them.
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There were plenty of stories shared from days gone by, so we thought we’d share a few of the best ones here.
Mick McLernon’s, Washingbay
Many of you fondly remembered McLernon’s old corner shop down in the Washingbay area.
Many would call into McLernon’s on their way back from the lough, where you would have got anything, ‘from a needle to an anchor’, according to one reader.
A great relic of the past from down around the loughshore.
McKee’s, Dungannon
One of the most mentioned corner shops on our post was for McKee’s in the White City, Dungannon.
Owned by Freddie McKee, punters came in for their penny chews and came out with a story from Freddie most days.
Alice Donaghy’s, Dromore
Church Street in Dromore used to be a hive of activity for many years, with Alice Donaghy’s shop one of the mainstays on the street.
Reader Jean Thompson said: “It was a great wee shop for ice cream sweeties and fresh fruit. The wee lady who owned it was Alice and she was a gentle kind lady and as I say precious memories.”
Mollie Rice’s, Greagh
Just on the border with Monaghan near Augher was Mollie Rice’s.
Mollie’s daughter Mary McGee commented on the post saying people would come from all around to drop into this well-known corner shop.
“People used to come from all around for groceries and a chat, great memories,” Mary said.
McGrath’s, Killen
This shop at the famous crossroads was well-known for the McGrath family’s generosity, and many remarked that as children they would be allowed to come in and watch TV in the shop.
Patrick and sister Philomena managed the shop, where those in the local area would head for their weekly shopping.
“The children would watch television in the kitchen when no one else had one, good wee shop and friendly owners,” Brendan Harrington said.
Vincent O’Brien’s, Omagh
Another local character who was well-known by many throughout Omagh , this Brookmount Road shop holds memories for Omagh folk.
“Lovely lovely man gave us free sweets when we did shopping for our mums, and knew everyone's names .....he was one of a kind,” Philly McElhill said.
Ernie Oliver’s, Coalisland
Still affectionately referred to as Ernie Oliver’s now, this shop on the corner of the Dungannon Road and Ballynakilly Road is still there.
Ernie himself was one of a kind however and is still remembered by Coalisland folk to this day.
Bread men
An honourable mention must go to the many ‘bread men’ who made their way around rural areas with bread, milk and sweets to those who couldn’t access the local corner shop.
Many people availed of this service at the time around the county and is fondly remembered by many as well.
Here’s a few other corner shops in Co Tyrone that were mentioned by our readers:
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Hamill’s, Lisnahull
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McConnell’s and McSwiggan’s, Gortin
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Kathleen O’Neills, Dungannon
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Brae Stores, Omagh
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McElveen’s, Sion Mills
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Carberry’s, Donaghmore
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Cecil Kyle’s
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Lizzie Smith’s, Omagh
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Duff’s Corner, Ardboe
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