Some time ago during a “post-oil” visioning exercise we imagined Dunne Stores car park turned over entirely to farmer’s markets and local shops springing up in vacant buildings throughout the town.

Well, Nellies farm shop on Upper Patrick St. is such a vision come true. What’s more, it is appropriately situated on the site of the former Land Rover garage!

Homemade jams from Laois, freshly baked bread from Wexford and the stall in the centre of the shop, I was proudly informed, contains only Irish fresh fruit and veg (not sure if that includes the bananas in the bottom right). To top it all there is talk of a bike sales and repair shop opening soon next door!

In the age of large multiples and discount stores it is a welcome sight to see the return of a local shop selling local produce. We wish them the best of luck.