End of an era for popular Mayo restaurant with GAA links

THE end of an era was marked on Sunday when McCarthy's Restaurant on Main Street, Castlebar, closed its doors after almost 80 years of trading.

A tear or two were shed as the manager, Rachel Ruane, and her staff served their final meals.

First opened in 1937 by the late Maggie McCarthy (nee Kilgallon) and subsequently run for a long time by her daughter Breege Ruane, the eating establishment was one of the most friendly and best known in the county.

To say that no customer ever left hungry is a fair reflection of how the McCarthy and Ruane families approached their work with care and dedication.

It held a special place in the heart of Mayo GAA as the players of countless county teams over the years dined there after training sessions and matches.

It was also similiarly frequented by the players of Castlebar Mitchels GAA Club.

Indeed, Mick Ruane, a former Mayo and Mitchels star, was husband of the aforementioned Breege.

Sadly, neither are no longer with us, a loss to the special fabric of the town centre.

While the occasion is a sad one, the good news is that the premises will reopen shortly as a restaurant under a new name, having been leased to a Westport-based business family, the full details of which will be revealed in due course.

There is also good news in regard to the famous Breege McCarthy apple tarts which are so popular throughout west Mayo.

They will continue to be produced, albeit from a different location, and be on the shop shelves on a daily basis.