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10 Sept 2025
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10 Sept 2025
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John Duffy Picture: Shelley Corcoran
If you are looking for the very embodiment of what Longford retail life is about, few, if any, can hold a commercial candle to John Duffy.
An institution behind the counter of Paul Byron Shoes for 35 years, John is among a select few who can recall Longford Shopping Centre's opening three decades ago.
The Teffia Park native said the centre's long running tradition of a comprehensive retail offering and excellent customer service has proved instrumental in its three decade long endurance.
“Lots of shops have come and gone in that time,” he said.
“When it first opened, it was the main shopping centre in the midlands and people came from everywhere and anywhere to it.
“It was like the new Grafton Street and a great variety of shops in it and the crowds were unbelievable.
“We did late nights too, opening until 9pm on a Thursday and Friday night, we had to because it was so busy.”
Like so many other centres of its ilk, Longford's chief retail headquarters has navigated its way through recessions, economic peaks and a global health pandemic that was arguably the most bruising in the county's commercial history.
“It’s down to the stores that are in the shopping centre, they were good and strong and well able to keep their doors open,” he said.
“In our (Paul Byron Shoes) case we had at 20 branches, so if one was down, the other was up and it pulled us through.”
And like many of his work peers, John is more than relishing what promises to be a spectacle like no other as the centre marks its pearl anniversary from Thursday to Saturday this week.
“There is a lot planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” said the experienced and affable sales assistant.
“There’s a lot of promotions and discounts for people to enjoy.
“There will be a good atmosphere and will be a happy place to come to.”
And, in a final appeal to the wider public to take in what the centre has to offer ober the coming days, John's message was as passionate as it was persuasive.
“Come and have a look around, have a cup of coffee and watch the world go by,” he said.
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