*Photograph: Tom Micks
PAT Smyth Fashions in Gort is celebrating 30 years in business.
Pat was born in 1957, to Paddy and Mary Smyth (nee Helly), St Clerans, Craughwell. Pat, Mary and family (Audrey, Stephanie and Patrick) began their adventure in Gort in 1996, an adventure that was to be both challenging and rewarding.
Pat had acquired a wealth of knowledge in the trade, with 22 years’ experience in Martin Fahy’s, Loughrea.
Pat’s grá for Gort and South Galway was fostered by his summers spent in Labane with his uncle, the late Mossy Helly. Pat’s granduncle, the late Liam Smyth of Main St. Loughrea was also a draper and gents outfitter. Liam was a man of great inspiration to a young Pat.
In 1998, Pat and Mary bought their current three-storey building on Bridge St, Gort & by 2005 they had made it a real family affair with Pat’s wife Mary opening the Ladies fashion department, a partnership that Pat speaks very highly of, “without Mary’s unwavering support, Pat Smyth’s would not be what it is today”.
Pat and family have been blessed to have the support and great loyalty of the people of Gort, South Galway and County Clare.
Historically, Gort has benefitted from the passing trade of many a customer travelling from the south-east to the north-west of Ireland. It is passing trade that Pat is very grateful for. “We have customers who visit year on year on their travels”.
Pat’s gratitude to the people of Gort and surrounding areas is truly evident and he lights up at the mention of his customers and the dear characters and friends he has met through the years. “We are deeply thankful and truly appreciate the last 30 years of custom here in Gort. Your unwavering support does not go unnoticed”.
The future at Pat Smyth’s is taking shape with the addition of his son Patrick Jr and daughter Stephanie. “We are delighted with our team here with four out of our five family members now in the trade”.
Pat & Mary have had the help of loyal staff members past and present, notably Helen Smith, Gort. “We are forever thankful for our staff and the dedication shown throughout the years.”
Gort has undergone a rejuvenation in recent years, with Pat noting, “There is a great buzz in our town and it’s a privilege to come to work every day”. Pat lives for his routine. “It’s about the meet and greet and the sincerity about the job at hand, it is not the money that matters, it is the fabulous people and characters we meet, that is the real currency of life’’.
All photographs by Tom Micks
