After what many people would consider a lifetime and a half in the clothing trade, mostly at the fashion end of the business, Mary Shanahan arrived at the decision to close the book on a career of over half a century behind counters in Castleisland.
Mary began working in the shop with her father as a school girl and began learning the trade from there on.
“My mother worked in the office of Browne’s Mineral Waters, bakery and supermarket and that’s where my father met her. They courted, as they say, and got married,” said Mary – going back to the very beginning.
Daily Cycle to and from Tralee
“My father used to cycle in and out of Tralee every day where he worked in Lynn’s Men’s Shop.
My parents decided to open their own shop in 1950 and they rented it from Buckley’s. It was simply called P.J Brosnan’s and it proved a great success and very popular,” said Mary.
“There were men’s, ladies children’s and baby-wear and to this day I’m still hearing about P.J Brosnan’s shop. Some of the children and grandchildren of his customers have become my friends and customers over the years.
Killarney Road to Main Street
“Unfortunately my mother died in 1960 and everything changed, my father moved from Killarney Road to Main Street where he could be near the shop and keep an eye on his four children.
I was about 12 or 13 when dad would have me in the shop, as I was the only girl in the family, most Saturdays and school holidays, so I got good training in my early years.
“I left school early to work in the business and dad taught me so much. I used to love going on buying trips with him. I worked many years in P.J.s and I loved it.
“La Femme was born when T.H. Murphy’s gas showrooms came up for sale in the early 1990s. So for a few years I worked both shops and had a family.
La Femme Renovation in 1995
“Eventually I concentrated on La Femme and in 1995 did a big renovation and extended the shop. We’ve had such good times in the shop with the customers, chatting, laughing and sometimes a little tear.
“If I only had thought of writing down every funny incident or things that were said, it would be a bestseller. I love my customers, who have become my friends over the years and I shall miss them so much.
“I loved travelling to the trade shows and would be so excited to see what was going to be the new trend for the following season. When the new season would begin so would the fashion shows.
Laughs Behind the Scenes
“They could be hard work but so worth it when you would get good reviews after the show. We did have some great laughs behind the scenes.
“I loved to see the new collections arriving every season and displaying them was great fun. I also have to say a big thank you to all who worked with me in La Femme over the years, also a big thank you to all my wonderful customers who have become friends over the years
“I shall miss you and I wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year,” said Mary as she planned the closure of La Femme just before the dawn of 2024.
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