BUSINESS BOUNCE…Tommy Laird relaxes in a chair on the side of the road as he watches the marchers go by
AS the twelfth of July rolled out of town businesses in Ballinamallard were already reporting a significant trade boost from the thousands who attended the annual celebrations.
As the twelfth runs on an eight year cycle taking in the towns and villages of Fermanagh it was this year the turn of Balinamallard, who felt a massive bounce from the increased footfall.
Normally a typical Friday in the village would be steady business, but nowhere near the thousands in attendance last week.
Not ones to ignore a glaring opportunity, those in the village cashed in, including Churches, voluntary organisations and charities.
Andy McCabe, manager at Beatty’s Spar noted a higher footfall on the day and steady business throughout Friday.
“There were plenty of people about in buying their drinks and ice creams, it was much the same as normal, but just a wee bit busier, but nothing major I would say.
“It certainly boosted the retailers in the village and the strangers coming in did us no harm at all.”
At Magheracross Parish Church, the Church committee organised tea and food for those enjoying the celebrations and curate, Reverend Charlie Eames noted that many of the large crowds chose to avail of the service. Raising money for the Church funds the ‘meat tea’ was very successful.
“Like everything else, every little helps. I’m not sure of how much exactly was raised but it certainly has helped the Church.
“I know of a number of groups who also did well, it was a great boost. The Scouts for one I know were fundraising, they were selling burgers and think that went quite well.
“When it goes off and it is good weatherwise the people come in.”
Local UUP MLA Tom Elliott was another to note the impact the twelfth had on the village.
“Clearly businesses have benefited from it and the village did a lot better than it normally would , especially places like food retailers.
“A lot of stallers also came in to take advantage of the increased trade. Obviously it is an opportunity to showcase the village and all the traders were very supportive and appreciative of having the twelfth in Ballinamallard. I’m not aware of anyone being against it.”
It was not just solely the businesses of Ballinamallard though that reaped the rewards as Tom explained.
“It was also a chance for charities to make money. George Beatty organised a car park at his store for Marie Curie, while the Churches were also involved in catering. There clearly seemed to be a significant benefit for a lot of the community. It provided a boost, there’s no doubt about that and not just business, in particular the voluntary groups, the football club, churches and charities.”
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