A chara, - David Rose and Kevin Myers may care to know that with regard to courtesy in shops, things are ordered differently here in Thomastown.
The elderly, retired owner of the local supermarket, whose son now runs the store, spends most of his day there. He has no specific function but greets customers, enquires about the family, welcomes returned emigrants, wishes happy holidays to visitors and will willingly discuss the merits of presidential candidates if called on.
Could this be the answer to declining standards? Give the job a title and employ a local retired person. It works here. - Is mise,
Jerpoint West, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.