The unveiling of Sweeney’s stone in Falcarragh ignites fond memories

Two proud sisters unveiled a heritage stone, Coirnéal Mhic Suibhne, which marks the spot where their ancestors began a family business over a century ago in Falcarragh.

The Sweeney’s Corner Heritage Stone was unveiled by Mary McAuliffe, née Sweeney, 101, and Greta Sweeney, 95, outside the Bank of Ireland recently. They were joined by family and friends at the event. 

The family enjoy a deep rooted and historical connection with Falcarragh. Cassie opened a drapery business on the corner in Falcarragh in 1920. She and her husband Michael had seven children Mary, 1921, John,1922, Maurice,1923, Terry,1926, Gretta, 1927, Michael,  1930, and Chrissie, 1934.

Taking over the business

In 1939, when Cassie sadly passed away, her daughter Mary took over the family business. Her brother John later joined the business and the business expanded. In 1952, Mary and John built a house on Strand Road leaving the corner a commercial business. John’s untimely death occurred in 1959 due to cancer and as a consequence of his death his brother Michael came home from London to help with the business. Mary worked hard and soon developed ‘Sweeney’s Fashion House.’ Fashion must have been in the clan because Gretta Sweeney went on to become a very successful dress designer and launched her own fashion label, Glenveigh, in Dublin.  

Strong business acumen

Business was also strong in the Sweeney clan, Chrissie Sweeney married Seamus Gallagher from Falcarragh and together over the years they ran a number of successful businesses; The Gweedore Bar, The Ray River Inn and The Anchor Bar. Chrissie died in 2004.

Following Mary’s marriage to Jack Mc Auliffe, Mary began a pop-up shop in Dunfanaghy and in 1969 she moved her entire business there. She worked alongside Jack and his chemist for many years in what was known as the Tweed & Fashion Shop. Following Jack and Mary’s retirement, their daughter Anne McNamara took over the business and it eventually became ‘Mc Auliffe’s Craft Shop.’

Anne’s son, Conor McNamara, the fourth generation of the family works in the shop and maintains the core values on which the family business was established. 

The unveiling of the heritage stone by Mary Mc Auliffe, née Sweeney, Gretta Sweeney, Mary Mc Garvey of Falcarragh Tidy Towns and Seamus Mc Gee of Falcarragh Tourist Traders was an emotional day for the family. 

The celebration continued in an tSeanbhearic with plenty joyful catch ups, tears, stories, and photographs. Tribute was paid to those who worked in Sweeney’s over the century. There was a special mention of Maurice (Manus)Sweeney, 99, who died on September 28. Prior to his death he too was involved in this project to commemorate his Falcarragh heritage. Annette Sweeney invited her aunt Mary to address the group she said “Auntie Mary is the key driver of what we know as ‘Sweeney’s Corner,’ from the age of 18 Mary through hard work, determination and love of family and community, is the main reason we are here today celebrating this wonderful heritage. On behalf of us all, thank you auntie Mary.”

Mary's appreciation

Mary Mc Auliffe then addressed the crowd as follows: “Fáilte mhór daoibh anseo inniu chuig an ócáid spesialta seo. Ta lúcháir mhór orm sibh a fheiceáil. Ta daoine anseo inniu atá cuimhne acu ar an tam atá muid a cheiliúradh. 

“Thosaigh mé sa tsiopa 83 bliain ó shin. Ba mhaith liom buíochas mo chroi a thabhairt do mhuintir na háite, bhí sibh sar-mhaith. Buíochas speisialta do Giley (Sile) Kelly a bhí mar chuidiú mhór dom. Buíochas fosta do chlann MacPháidín as Dobhair. 

“This heritage stone marking ‘Sweeney’s Corner’ is important to me as it recalls the history of my family in this parish, and more importantly the role we played in the community. 

Mar a deir an seanfhocail “Ní neart go cur le chéile,’ there is no strength without unity. 

Go raibh maith agaibh go leir”.