Laois couple close shop doors after more than 30 years
Jim and Dora Fennell retiring after 32 years as owners of the Killeshin Stores pictured with friends, staff and members of the Killeshin Community Centre committee Photo: © Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026
KILLESHIN Community Centre hosted a retirement lunch for Jim and Dora Fennell, who are closing their shop after more than 30 years.
Jim and Dora first opened the shop, Killeshin Stores, in 1994.
The Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow hosted the couple, as well as past and present employees of the shop, for lunch on 18 October. Earlier that day, Jim and Dora closed the shop for the final time.
There was much reminiscing for the 20 people in attendance.
Jim and Dora were a large part of the local community in Killeshin. They ran events in the community centre hall and church and sold the annual calendar for Killeshin National School.
"I think the kids will miss it the most," said community centre chairman Laurence Phelan, who organised the event. "Where else can they get jelly snakes?"
Laurence said the shop's closure was indicative of the way things are going and that corner shops may be a "thing of the past."
The lunch is one of the many send-off events for Jim and Dora. The local GAA club will host an event for the couple in the next few weeks.
"They have the community behind them," said Laurence.
The community centre gifted the couple with a stay at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, as they are avid music fans.
After the lunch, the couple retired to the Glenside in Killeshin with friends and colleagues to continue the celebrations.
