Winding-up petition on McElhinney's

A WINDING-UP petition has been served on one of rural’s Ireland’s best-known department stores.

McElhinney’s in Athboy, Co Meath, has been a magnet for generations. It was often the first stop for those in need of a Communion or a Confirmation outfit and its bridal boutique was known nationally.

It was founded in 1937 on Athboy’s Main Street by Molly McElhinney and remains family-owned.

Her daughter Mary Sweeney and grandson Neal Sweeney now run the main and bridal store while Pat and Pádraig McElhinney run the men’s store.

According to papers filed in the High Court, a petition to wind up McElhinney’s Department Stores Limited has been made by a German-owned shoe manufacturer Peter Kaiser Schuhfabrik.

It is due to be heard in the High Court on June 14th.

According to the last accounts filed by the company in 2008, it lost €433,303 in the year to January 31st, 2008, having made a profit of just over €50,000 in the previous years. Liabilities exceed assets by €362,139.

The three shops which make up McElhinney’s remain open. A popular coffee shop was added in 1990.

Nobody from the family could be contacted yesterday for comment.

In an interview with The Irish Times four years ago, Ms Sweeney said her mother had worked “night and day” to build up the business. It has struggled in the recession and from protracted roadworks, which have affected a number of local businesses.

A statement from McElhinney’s Ltd in Ballybofey, Co Donegal, has pointed out that it is not connected in anyway to its namesake in Athboy and is trading successfully.