Disappointment as Longford business set to close store after two decades in operation

A county Longford business is set to close the doors of its Longford town branch this weekend after more than two decades in operation.

Brothers Kevin and Michael Dooner, from Killoe, will take last orders and put through the final transactions at their Auto Centre Longford shop on Saturday.

The siblings have a second store Auto Centre Granard and they are hopeful their loyal customers will follow them over and purchase their goods from there instead.

Co-owner Kevin, who stated they are likely to hold a closing down sale on Saturday with up to 50% off some items, said that the business had become quieter in recent times.

"The footfall is not there and we are just concentrating now on the one business in Granard," he added.

Kevin stated the Granard branch is also in operation for more than 20 years and many of their friends in Killoe and Longford town have said they will travel to Granard to support them.

"There is a lot of people who come in there for even small bits and pieces and we have great chats with people," he said.

"There is lots of loyal people, particularly in the Killoe area where we are from."

Kevin stated they both always had a big interest in cars.

"Michael was involved with different places before Auto Centre Longford and Granard and he was with Toyota in Longford for many years," he added.

Kevin said they will bring a lot of their stock over to Granard but he expects they will have a one day sale with possibly some goods selling for up to half price.

"We would be hoping that people will follow us to Granard," he said. "A lot of people from Longford town and in Killoe said they will remain as customers and come out to Granard."