A special report from Tony and Mary Kelly…
After leaving the British Army in 1904, Charlie Fallon purchased No 20 North Street, Skibbereen. While in the army, Charlie, a Galwegian, had served in the Boer War and later he trained the volunteers in the First Word War. In the early days in North Street, he traded as a general merchant.
First records show the business to be 6 ½ penny store. All stock was sold for 6 & ½ pence or less. Over time, this changed as business progressed, and as the shop stock changed to general hardware and groceries. In the early sixties No 51 North Street was purchased. Mary Fallon, daughter of Charlie, together with her husband Niall Kelly, traded in both shops until the mid-seventies.
From 1975 onwards, the stock changed from hardware to sports goods, firearms and ammunition, fishing tackle, toys and picture framing, clocks and watches. A trip to Fallon’s toy shop is a happy childhood memory for many people in West Cork. Although, the premises and stock may have changed over the years, ownership of Fallon’s has remained in the family.
Tony Kelly is the third generation (grandson of Charlie Fallon) to trade in North Street. Tony together with his wife Mary have traded in North Street since 1975. Fishermen have come from far and wide to purchase fishing tackle in Fallon’s. As well as fishing tackle they received in depth knowledge on fishing matter from Tony Kelly.
All good things must come to an end. Fallon’s of North Street, after 115 years, will cease trading this month. Tony and Mary wish to thank all their loyal customers throughout the years.
