Grounded and Finegan and Son Closed Until Further Notice

Two of Newry's most forward thinking cafe/ restaurant establishments have closed until furthur notice. It's the latest indication that coronavirus is changing the way Newry operates at least in the short term.

In an emotional message Graeme Finegan of Grounded and Finegan and Son said although it was such a hard decision at the same time it was easy  "We gotta do this for everyone, our friends, parents, grandparents, our kids. We got to do this for our health."

It will leave Graeme and Anne-Marie and James and Barry Johnston and all the staff out of work for the present.

Mr Finegan commented "I sat in both Grounded and Finegan & Son tonight thinking about all those suppliers, staff and customers we are likely to let down in the coming weeks, thinking about their commitments, and it breaks my heart. We worked so hard over the last 15 years on Monaghan Street and 4 years on Kildare Street, trying to be the beating heart of a City centre already on its knees.

"We have went through some absolutely shitty times in the past, and because like most other businesses in our sector, we do it because we love it we got out the other side."

Talking after the Prime Ministers speech yesterday and about the lack of support already evident Graeme added "We have recieved some pretty shoddy commuications from the government both in Stormont and London about what we should or should not do.

"Social venue... I guess thats us... Should we stay open, should we close?

"Who knows. We arent feeling entirely confident about the support we will recieve on the other side of this either, rates relief would be graciously accepted, but by all means should be the very least small owner operated businesses and their staff should get."

Graeme added "Its hard talking to the manager of your shop, holding back the tears because you really dont know how to reassure them.

"Its such a hard decision to make, but at the same time it's easy. We gotta do this for everyone, our friends, parents, grandparents, our kids. We got to do this for our health.

"We dont know how long this will go on, we dont know if we can modify our business model to increase chances of a post Coronavirus ressurgence.

"But when we do we will let you know."

Concluding Graeme said "Thank you all so much for your support, today yesterday and always, we hope to be making you coffee again, sometime soon."