The heritage and hospitality of 'old Clogher town'

Cars, lorries and tractors drove up and down the busy Main Street, while on the footpaths, local people bustled about, weaving in and out of the town's many shops and cafés.

The town may have once had a railway, but even without it, the people still come.

It also had a bank up until recently, but even with that now gone, people from far and wide still do business in the town.

Undoubtedly, Clogher is a place that punches well above its weight, economically, socially and culturally. For one, it is a town that boasts a rich heritage of business.

On Main Street, Fannin's Garage has been a permanent fixture since 1952, when an enterprising Albert and Martha Fannin set up shop.

"It's always been a family business, a real family firm," said William Fannin, who succeeded his parents as owner of the garage.

"I have been here since I was 17 after I left the Tech. The business has changed a lot over the years, with buildings added on and the like.

"These days, we offer mechanic services, including MOT preparation, car servicing, wheel alignment, air conditioning, tyres, and a good range of agricultural parts.

"We have an established customer base, and we are very grateful for that."

Indeed, as with any family business, change has been inevitable over the years.

William explained that while the mechanical end of things has grown considerably over the years, around two years ago, the tough decision was made to close up the grocery shop, in the centre of Clogher.

"We closed up the wee shop two years ago, and it was a big decision to make," William said.

"Two daughters got married, and another went to college, and I suppose you could say the help was getting light.

"Looking back, it was the right decision. We put the pumps [to] 24-hour [service], and it has proven a good job."

Out in the yard, Clogher resident and Fannin's employee, Sam Brush, was busy fitting tyres to a car.

"It's a nice wee town and quiet enough," he remarked, as he screwed nuts onto the wheel.

 "I'm 20, and have lived here all my life, just down from the mart there. Everyone knows everyone about here. It's a good enough spot."

Walking through the centre of Clogher, nods to its rich history are everywhere.

The Cathedral Hall is a major focal point, while the contrast of old buildings and shop fronts against more modern structures paints a picture of a town that has developed considerably over the years.

However, not all changes have been for the better, as many locals remarked to this newspaper.

A major complaint raised by local people was the lack of a bank, which has been a reality ever since the Ulster Bank branch shut down in September, 2022.

"The bank going was the worst thing that happened," added Sam Brush. "It's been a big loss, and as the nearest branch is Omagh, it's not a bit handy."

While the loss of the bank has left a big void in the town, Clogher Valley Credit Union Ltd. has ensured that local people aren't left without basic financial services.

Situated at the bottom of the town centre, the credit union lets people in the community come together to save and borrow money at low rates, and is operated on a not-for-profit basis.

It has proven to be a vital service, and along with the likes of the local Sure Start, helps to ensure a steady flow of footfall within Clogher.

Mum Sorcha McKeron spoke as she dropped off her daughter, Caomihe, at the Sure Start.

"I live in Eskra, but my three-year-old, Caomihe, goes to the wee Sure Start here in Clogher two days a week," she said.

"It's a good wee town; it's good for all your bits of shopping and everything else."

Also on the street was local resident, Joyce Stafford, who was on her way to meet her sisters for coffee.

She explained how she was born and reared in Clogher, but lived in Fivmiletown for most of her adult life. However, four years ago, she moved back.

"It's my home town, it's a wee place that I love," Joyce said. "We have St. McCartan's Cathedral here, which was my childhood church that I have came back to.

"Our local Knit, Stitch and Natter group even did a lovely project where we knitted a model cathedral!

"It's a great wee place to live, and most of my family are from here.

"We have a great sense of community here, and there is plenty going on, including the knitting group, the Mothers' Union, Women's Institute, and Clogher Royal British Legion."

Joyce took off in the direction of one of two local coffee shops, which is operated under the auspices of 'Hope 4 You'.

Housed in the former Clogher Courthouse, the project is an excellent example of how formerly disused buildings can get a new lease of life.

Manager, Len Keys, explained that the Hope 4 U Foundation operates a community Christian Outreach Centre in the Clogher Valley.

It provides a community meeting place where locals can relax, enjoy food and social engagement.

It also provides opportunities to explore Christianity as well as incorporating debt counselling, money management programmes, pastoral care and advice/education programmes in relation to addictions.

"Our emphasis is we are cross-community," Len said. "We are for all the community, and not just one section.

"We get a lot of support for the community, which has allowed us to recently celebrate our tenth anniversary."

Len added that before he embarked on theological training, he worked in banking for 20 years, but even with his experience, he said that he wouldn't be able to bring the bank back to Clogher!

Ordering a cup of tea and a scone from the café's Joyce Keys was local woman, Christine Garland.

As a resident of Corbo, a townland just outside Clogher, Christine was complimentary about the area she calls home.

"I am near Clogher, from Corbo. I am what you call a blow-in, down these roads! I am here 32 years.

"Everyone is friendly here; I come here for the shops, and I have no issue going in and out of them all. It's a great community.

"There's a lot of choice with a family butchers and two coffee shops. But I would say if there was a nice wee shoe shop about it wouldn't go amiss, as the nearest one is in Fivemiletown."

Sitting at a table in the corner of the café was Joyce Stafford, who had met with her three sisters, Barbara and Mildred Crawford, and Moreen Clarke.

According to Barbara, meeting her sisters for lunch is a "weekly tradition".

"The four of us meet once a week for lunch or a cup of coffee. It helps us stay in touch.  

"We always meet in Clogher, as it's the most convenient place for us. It doesn't take much convincing to visit Clogher, as it's a lovely place!"

Mildred agreed, remarking that Clogher is an "excellent place for knitting".

However, like many other local people, she bemoaned the loss of the bank.

"We need the bank back!" she exclaimed. "It's a disaster since it went, the nearest [bank is in] Omagh and the opening hours there aren't great!"

Meanwhile, when asked to name her favourite thing about Clogher, Moreen replied "the cathedral".

"That and the scenery," she added. "The Clogher Valley is simply beautiful, with the likes of Knockmany Forest on your door step."

Indeed, Clogher may no longer have a bank, but it remains rich when it comes to community, heritage and hospitality.