He went by the name of Andy McNamara, that’s what everyone along the roads of East Clare knew him by.
Coasting gently along the high hill of Tulla in his travelling grocery shop is where Andy found himself most comfortable.
At the time, Andy had been making this journey for thirty-three consecutive years. Along with his daughter Anita, Andy set out each morning with the intention of serving the needs and wants of the people living in the rural areas of East Clare.
Elated customers stocked up on all the basics, most notably tea and sugar. Oftentimes, Andy would sway the customer to add in a few biscuits into their shopping cart.
His thick Clare accent bore bought charm and cunning. He was after all, an age-old entrepreneur.
On 27th May 1982, Andy featured on a special edition of ‘Ireland’s Eye’ broadcast on RTE. On this particular run, Andy makes a call to fiddle player Michael Dinan.
Michael treats his company to a special tune hosted by himself and his ninety-one-year-old mother Bridget, who holds her own gracefully on the concertina.
A character of a bygone age.
