Northern Building Supplies to close its doors next month

A MAINSTAY for many tradesmen in Armagh and further afield will close its doors for the last time next month.

Northern Building supplies will close its doors to the public for the last time on Friday March 1, with proprietor Marie Mullen retiring.

The business started out as a coal run over forty years ago from Sean and Marie Mullen’s home.

As a builder, Sean realised there was a gap in the market and the coal run gradually developed into a building supplies operation.

Posting on their Facebook site the firm stated, “As with all businesses especially new ones, Sean and Marie worked relentlessly on building it up and around 1980 they purchased the site at Ballycrummy where ‘the yard’ as we fondly know it, was born.

“The yard was a seventh member of our family and we all grew up with it, including Sean and Marie.

“ It taught us many lessons and in addition to providing plenty of challenges, it brought so much joy and pride.

“It's hard to mention the achievement of the yard without acknowledging Henry. Henry’s experience, hardwork and loyalty were central to the yard’s success, he worked tirelessly into his Eightieth year, until illness prevented him from continuing. His loss is still felt today.”

They added, “Our team has been the backbone of the business and we have to thank them all for the contributions they have made throughout their time with us, especially Martin, he joined us in the 90’s and cares for Northern Building Supplies like it's his own. We are all extremely grateful for his commitment and devotion.”

Expressing thanks to their customers they said “Our appreciation for our loyal customers is hard to put into words; they are the fabric of the place and we would have been nothing without them.

“It always brings us joy driving into the yard and seeing customers chatting.

“We are more than a shop, we are a social place where customers can have a bit of banter and craic, we are the yellow pages, an advisory service and a helpline.

“This will be one of the hardest things to say goodbye to as customers you have been there through the good and the bad through Sean’s illness and passing you helped carry us through and for this we will be eternally grateful.

“Our new shop was Sean’s vision and we are so thankful we were able to achieve it.”

They went on, “Through the years as in any walk of life, we have lost so many really good characters, family members, staff and customers but please know that these individuals have all made their impact on us and will all be fondly remembered.

“Our reason for closing is Marie’s retirement, she has given her life to the yard and has been such a stalwart in its whole existence.

“Marie has been a driving force in its evolution and her commitment to it has grown over the years. We wish her a long, healthy and happy retirement as she really deserves it, although it will be hard to keep her down.

“A new chapter awaits us and as a family, we wish all our staff and our customers happiness and prosperity. Thank you each and everyone of you that have come through our gate over the last forty plus years, serving you has been a pleasure.

In the words of Sean ‘Good Luck and all the best’!”