End of an era as Mayo baker looks forward to retirement

Cloonan’s Bakery, situated on Bowgate Street, Ballinrobe, is currently for sale.

The business is owned by Noel Cloonan, and over the years the traditional bakery has gained a loyal clientele and has received excellent customer reviews.

There were plenty of online wishes for Noel and his staff when news broke that the bakery was for sale.

Noel, who is originally from Galway but now lives in Ballinrobe, has enjoyed meeting and dealing with his customer over the years.

Cloonan’s first opened its doors to the public in 2013.

“I have enjoyed dealing with the customers over the years. There has also been plenty of characters that I’ve met and there was also great craic and banter down through the years,” says Noel.

Noel explained some of the challenges that his business has met since 2013, with the Covid-19 pandemic having a significant impact.

“When Covid-19 hit we had to readjust, and we stopped serving teas and coffees.

"Sometimes people might not call in until around 4.30 p.m. and it just wasn’t viable to go back serving tea and coffee, and we only had two tables.”

Noel has now decided to call it a day in the bakery business as he wants to plan and enjoy his retirement.

“I decided to retire now at 66 and try to spend some time with family and friends.

"The bakery business is a very demanding job and is probably more suited to a younger person.

"Over the years I have missed out on family weddings, because of the workload here, and it was impossible to have a social life after work as I was just too tired.”

The Galway native is a lifelong Arsenal supporter and has also enjoyed the banter whenever Mayo and Galway meet in big matches.

“I lived in Cong for a long time, and worked in Ashford Castle for 22 years. Working on the border between the two counties, there was always going to be friendly banter and craic.

“I have great memories from my time working in Ashford Castle.”

Noel’s career in bakery began in Galway at the GBC Bakery, a much-loved bakery for Galwegians over the decades.

The GBC Restaurant and Café is still operating in the heart of the city.

“I started off working in the GBC Bakery on Mary Street. They now have a restaurant on Williamsgate Street. The old bakery was a lovely place.

"That old bakery was going almost 24 hours a day and was very popular. It was one of the biggest bakeries at that time. We used to supply the GBC shop/café as well at the time. They still have the restaurant (Williamsgate Street) as part of the business. I also worked in Griffiths’ Bakery, Galway, as well.”

During his time at Ashford Castle, Noel met some famous people, most notably Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Sometimes I would have to serve breakfast in the wintertime and on one occasion I met and had to serve Sir Alex Ferguson.

"That was a bit awkward for me, considering the fact that I support Arsenal! Sir Alex was a nice man, and I enjoyed having a chat with him.

“Another time, I spotted Mel Gibson in Ashford Castle. He was there for the fishing.”

Among some of the people who have visited Cloonan’s Bakery over the years was Caroll Spinney, who played ‘Big Bird’ and ‘Oscar the Grouch’ in Seasame Street.

“Caroll Spinney used to visit Ashford Castle nearly every Christmas. He sadly passed away in 2019. I remember meeting him in Ashford and he was very friendly. It was great to see him visit Cloonan’s Bakery when he was over here on holidays.”

Cloonan’s Bakery has built up a great reputation over the years, and Noel explained some of the most popular sellers in his shop.

“We sell plenty of birthday cakes and our apple and rhubarb tarts are always a popular seller. A lot of people like to buy healthy bread, and soda bread.

“We might have some people travelling through the town who could be on their way to Ennis, or Limerick, and they would stop here to buy some baked products.”

After spending almost a lifetime in the bakery trade, Noel is looking forward to his well-deserved retirement and the chance to spend time with his family and friends.

“I could stay here for another year, however, at this stage I hope to be fully retired in two to three months’ time, perhaps even less. It will give me a chance to go to an upcoming family wedding in the summer.

“This job is suited for someone younger and who is fit and able for this kind of work.

"I am looking forward to my retirement and it will give me a chance to relax and meet up with family and friends.

"I might even get the chance to go over to England and watch an Arsenal match!”