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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

Hanlons Downpatrick at the heart of Market Street for 120 years

A family-run business in Co Down, is in its 120th year of service to the community - with no plans of slowing down.

Hanlons, in Downpatrick, first opened in 1902, and in 2022, the fifth generation of the Hanlon family are now working behind the counter of the shop, which serves fine food and fresh sandwiches.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Ernie Hanlon said that it is down to the people of Downpatrick, and beyond, that they are still around.

Read more: Downpatrick's Gallows Hill set to become part of town heritage trail

"I am the fourth generation here and there are a few fifth generations kicking about after school," he added.

Ernie Hanlon (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

"We originally started off as a fruit and veg shop and a greengrocers. Then we moved forward with the times and went into grocery and deli too. Now we have a sandwich bar business. We have been doing well, and fighting our corner.

"It has been hard and there has been plenty of competition throughout all those years, right from the very start. In the 50s and 60s, there was a fruit shop beside us.

"I have always been about the business, doing something, but when I came out of school at 17 I came in here full time and I have been here since.

"Hanlons means everything to me. I have followed on after my father, grandfather and great grandfather. It is something to be proud of. My father is still here, and comes down now and again, with his blue coat and won't take it off. He just enjoys it, being here with the people and talking."

Ernie says Hanlons is now "just part of life" for their family, and they team, who have become more like family too. And now he has an extra sense of pride, working alongside his daughter Lucy.

"On a really busy day, this place is packed," he added.

"We would get quite a number of school children coming in and there is something to be said when people walk past and say 'oh I can't go in, the green mile is there' because there is a line of school pupils from the Green High.

"We do a personal service to the customer and they can also browse about too. We will be there to help them out when needed.

"The people of Downpatrick are great and we have been serving members of all families, generations, just like ourselves. We couldn't do this without the good will of the people in this community.

"When I think of Downpatrick, I think of a small community town which has grown. We have a great sense of community in the town and we have a couple of real good, loyal businesses here. There have been businesses on Market Street for well over 30 and 40 years, which is great, and I would like to see more, small businesses come and give Downpatrick a wee bit of a turn."

Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.

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