Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Western People: €2m guide price for ‘the Bewley’s of Ballina town’

According to this story, Western People: €2m guide price for ‘the Bewley’s of Ballina town’, Gaughin's is for sale! I'm in a state of shock, I don't know what to think. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Admitedly I only ever went there twice a year, so I don't claim to have any right to judge, but it's part of the ritual of coming home for me. I can't decide whether any change would be good. We have to acknowledge, that apart from the holiday weekends and Christmas season, the place was usually deserted. There'll be the usual jealous talk of a big windfall (from people who's understanding of business and property is vague at best), but I can't imagine the place has been anything other than a severe financial and personal burden for many years now. I hope the Gaughin's get at least that much back from it. BUT.. Maybe if they sold the about half the chairs they'd raise enough money to keep the place going for another while?