Big Kildare Interview: Shop’s distinguished tenure to come to an end

The closure of a shop can often produce mixed results in its owners.

Fortunately, for one shop owner, the happy memories and prospects of retirement outweigh all the negativity of closing her shop.

Dónall na Gealaí, located at Claregate Street in Kildare town, will soon close its doors for the final time.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader newspaper about her reflections on the store, owner Anne Sweeney explained that the store was originally set up 18 years ago.

Explaining the meaning behind the name of the shop, Anne, who is originally from the town of Newbridge, said: "When I was pregnant with our son Lorcan (in 2002) I noticed that he was particularly active around the new and full moon.

"His due date was October 11, but there was a new moon on October 6, and I was was convinced that’s when he would make his entrance and, lo and behold, he did."

She continued: "Dónall na Gealaí translates as 'Dónall of the Moon' i.e. 'The Man in the Moon' so Dónall is Lorcan’s middle name.

"Our logo incorporates the moon, a little boy and his star sign constellation (Libra)."

The official logo of Dónall na Gealaí

When asked why she wanted to set up the shop all those years ago, Anne said: "I wanted to purchase some incense, but I couldn’t find any in Kildare; I would have to go all the way up to Dublin to get some.

"When I told my sister about it, she said to me: 'why don’t you set up your own shop (to sell incense)?'"

She added that her son ‘grew up in the shop,’ which sells a variety of items, including statues, self-help books, and incense -

Anne added: "We’re often called 'the Angel shop' or 'the Buddha shop'... and even 'the hippie shop!'

It should come as no surprise then that Anne considers spirituality to be a large part of her life.

She elaborated: "I would say that spirituality is important to me; I believe in everything and nothing, if that makes sense.

"I believe that we are a part of something great, and each day, I learn something new (about the Universe)."

She added that the closest thing that would resemble her views would be 'the Gaia principle.'

The term has its origins in Greek mythology, but was revived in 1979 by scientist and environmentalist James Lovelock, in Gaia, in which he proposed that both living organisms and inorganic material are part of a dynamical system that shapes the Earth's biosphere.

Put simply, the Earth is one big, self-regulating body.

Commenting on her retirement, Anne, who turns 59 next month, said: "I am fortunate to be able to retire at this point in my life.

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"However, if I had to continue working in the shop for another few years, I would have been happy to do so, because I love working in the shop."

When asked what she would miss the most upon retiring from the shop, Anne said: "I will definitely miss the people hugely... I could easily write a book made up of all the stories I've heard in the shop!"

Anne said that Dónall na Gealaí actually transcended that of a typical shop; it was also a community hub for locals.

"Anyone can come in and chill out here, no purchase is necessary," she added.

As for what's next for her, Anne said: "I'm looking forward to being more active in my local community, especially in the Women's Shed in Monasterevin and the Community Gardens in Kildare town."

Paying tribute to her customers over the years, she said: "I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for their support and generosity over the years. We can't thank you enough."

SALE

Anne also said that the shop is currently holding a sale until April 1, with a 25 per cent discount on everything in the shop.

She added that any items left over after April 1 will be have a 40 per cent discount.