You’ll find it in the bible. You’ll find versions of it in many religions and cultures from Buddhism to the Romans. George Harrison even used the phrase as the title of his 1970 album ‘All things must pass’. The phrase can be traced as far back as the ancient Greeks and Heraclitus who stated that the only constant in life is change and that everything is in a constant state of flux.
It is a sentiment that most of us accept as inevitable. We all know that nothing lasts forever, yet we keep facing every day as if nothing will ever change. Though you might not guess it, I am rather a traditionalist. I don’t much like change. For someone with what might be called progressive values, I don’t much like progress. I like things to stay just the way they are thank you very much. It generally takes me a while to accept – much less like – changes to the landscape, or society. It took me years to like the changes to Patrick Street in Cork city, though I will happily admit that they have been an improvement. When I go back to Brussels, where I grew up, it is a shock to see how much certain neighbourhoods have changed, and it is often difficult for me to accept the benefits. Though I will happily point out all the good things that the expansion of my village has brought, I’m still not used to it, nor really like it. It’s still a surprise to drive up to the pub and see a shiny new housing estate where I expect fields.
Much in the same way, I am saddened when a beloved business closes. It was not so long ago that I was mourning the loss of Atkins – that stalwart of Clonakilty. From nails to teacups, and from paint to toilet seats, Atkins was my go-to when I needed anything to do with the home and garden. Best of all were the staff, who were always attentive and kind. It was the ‘Cheers’ of West Cork. A place where everybody knows your name. I still miss it.
And now I hear that two more stalwart businesses on the main Street are set to close. Paddy Meade’s Newsagents was probably one of the first businesses that I got to know way back in the days when I was a tourist. It was still the days of print newspapers, picture postcards, and monthly magazines and Paddy Meade’s had them all. After I moved, Paddy was there for notebooks, pens, envelopes and cards for every occasion. Best of all was Paddy himself. Always up for the chats. He used to regale me with stories of his travels, including a period spent as a docker in Rotterdam. He kept the International Herald Tribune for my parents when they visited and was sorely missed when he passed. I know that I will always remember him and the great staff every time I pass whatever becomes of the shop in the future.
Another one who was always great for the chats is butcher Dave Scully, also on Pearse Street, Clonakilty. His Dublin accent always made me smile and made me feel like I had been magically transported to a butcher on Henry Street. His warm welcome and great advice were like a balm anytime you stepped into his shop. Dave was a central part of the community as well, never turning down a request for help with any community event. After twenty years Dave is hanging up his apron, and I wish him and his family well.
As painful as these business closures are, they are not as cruel as when we lose cherished members of our community. ‘All things must pass’ also refers to loved ones and we have had more than our fair share of loss these past few months. I don’t think I remember a time when I went to as many funerals of prominent people that I loved. I can’t list all the ways they will be missed – it would take a whole book to explain how much these people did for our community, our friends, and our families. They were the type of person you would call at a drop of a hat if you had a question, or needed some help, knowing that they would come through. They were out in the street, behind the scenes organising events, or out on the town dancing the night away. I laughed, I was comforted and helped by them. I planned and partied with each one. When someone passes, they are often remembered by saying that we will not see the likes of them again, but with Anne Cullinane, Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, Martha Healy and Denis Noonan, the mould was truly broken. We will miss you all for many years to come. May you rest in peace and smile down on us wherever you are.
