'Heartbreaking' to have to close Brian's Treasure Chest

After raising hundreds of thousands of euro for predominantly local charities over the last 16 years, Brian’s Treasure Chest is closing at the end of the month.

Established by well known Mullingar native Brian Fagan in 2009, for a decade and a half the Treasure Chest has been a place where locals could pick up bargains and chat with Brian and his valued team of volunteers.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Brian said that one of the main reasons he has decided to close shop is that it has become increasingly difficult in recent years to get people to help run it.

“Things changed during lockdown. It is harder to get volunteers now. People maybe just got used to staying at home. Before people came in because they wanted something to do for a day or two and they liked the idea of working in a charity shop and helping, but during lockdown, people were used to being at home and have many other ways to fill their time.”

Brian first started thinking about closing the shop last year, he says.

“I asked a few charities who have shops, and nobody was interested really. I can’t keep doing it six days a week.”

The shop opened 16 years ago this month. Its first home was in the building that previously housed Kilroy’s electrical shop on Pearse Street before it moved to its current home on Castle Street after two years.

Brian says that he wouldn’t have been able to keep the shop open for as long as he has without the team of volunteers.

“They have been absolutely fantastic. There have been dozens and dozens of people over the years who came in and gave their time willingly and happily.

“They are wonderful people and without them it wouldn’t have happened.”

Two of the Treasure Chest’s longest serving volunteers were there when we paid a visit this week. Catriona Dunican has been there from “day one”. She says that when the shop closes, “it will be a sad day” for Brian and his fellow volunteers, but also the many local people who regularly visit the shop to pick up bargains and have a chat.

“A lot of customers come in and get their books here, grannies come in and get their grandchildren toys. They come in here as customers and they you meet them outside and they say hello.”

Collette Quinn has been volunteering at the shop for 14 years. She says that she will “miss the fun”.

“It has been nice. We’ll miss the craic.”

Brian says that he and his team will especially miss “the community side of it”.

“It has been great for meeting people. There are kids that come here who don’t remember not being here. It’s been here all their lives. They’ve gone from buying toys to buying books.”

The longevity of the shop would note have been possible without the support of the people of Mullingar, which is something he greatly appreciates, he says.

“It’s extraordinary the support we’ve had from the community and we were delighted to return that favour by donating money to local charities.

“You know, it’s very sad and it’s breaking my heart to do it, but we just can’t continue.”