A Laois family has thanked locals for their support and custom over their 45 years in business. 

Eamonn Bracken Menswear in Portarlington recently announced that proprietors Bernie and Eamonn Bracken will soon be closing the business to enjoy their retirement.

Mrs Bracken reminisced on the great times they had over the last 45 years, and wished to thank Portarlington locals for their unwavering support.

Pictured are the Bracken family: Niamh, Bernie, Keith, Ellie and Eamonn.

In the early 1980's, Eamonn started working for local man Tom Manley who previously ran a menswear business at the Main street location. 

Bernie met Eamonn when he was 20 years of age; it was the same year he officially took over the running of the menswear shop on behalf of Mr Manley.

"We were renting the premises at the time, and we eventually got the opportunity to buy the whole shop. We were young and enthusiastic at the time, it was recessionary times but we were immune to it. We got married in the late 80's, and we lived over the shop for a time at first," Mrs Bracken told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Four decades later, the pair have decided that it is time to take life a bit slower.

Pictured: Keith and Amy Bracken's wedding last July saw the family looking very dapper, thanks to their own business!

"We have three grown up children, Keith Niamh and Ellie. They are all pursuing their own careers. It would have been nice if one of them were to take it over, but they are all established in what they are doing. Eamonn and I will soon be establishing our own dress and wedding hire business, and the family will likely be involved in the near future," Mrs Bracken revealed.

The couple's children grew up working in the shop, and the family have many fond memories on the shop floor.

"The girls worked in the shop mostly, Keith was always interested in his sports and farming. Niamh went on to work in retail and she is brilliant, she is married with two children now. Ellie just moved to Australia, it was hard to see her go, but it's great that she is doing it. We are a very close family," she said.

Bernie and Eamonn were delighted to see their daughter Niamh recently move home from Wales with her husband and two children, and are excited to spend more time with their grandchildren in their retirement.

Pictured: Bernie Bracken with rugby player and television presenter Tommy Bowe

They were also delighted to see their son Keith recently marry their daughter-in-law Amy, and are happy to have them close by too.

"We have had a lot of loyal customers over the years, people have always been wonderful to us," Bernie said.

"Local people would come to us, time and time again, and through word of mouth people began travelling from all areas to our shop. We have a great following, from Durrow to Daingean. People come for the products and stay for the service; we have always worked towards providing the best service we could," she explained.

Over the years, there was great banter with customers at the counter of Eamon Bracken Menswear. People would visit the shop for good natured chats and a laugh, along with fabulous menswear.

The Brackens have employed many staff over the years, and say they are lucky to have had Teresa Direen in the shop with them for over 18 years.

Pictured: the fashionable Portarlington family at their son Keith's wedding in 2025

"Anyone who has worked for us has given us 100%, we are lucky to have Teresa with us for all of those years- she will be staying with me in the new dress hire venture," Mrs Bracken explained.

The couple wished to thank Laois locals for their support through changing times.

"We really appreciate the custom from locals, and the fact that they have always come back. It means a lot in a small rural town- even the smallest purchase is important," Bernie said.

"Covid made people realise it more, people moving into the town during Covid were shopping locally. We would allow people to take out the stock, it was an old fashioned practice but we have allowed it. People have really appreciated it.

"Fashion has changed a lot, it was very conservative in the 1980's and has evolved over the years. We now dress customers from head to toe, we got into footwear and it's a big part of the business now. When a customer comes in, he can dress himself fully.

"We have changed over the years, we try to cater to all age groups. Social media has helped a lot, we are reaching people further afield with our pictures. It has been a real game changer," she said.

The shop has been such a big part of the Bracken family's life over the last 45 years, and is deeply routed in their day to day routines. They say that they will deeply miss it.

"My favourite part of the business was the buzz in the shop, when we meet new people and they leave happy," Mrs Bracken said.

"Forward buying is a huge part of the business, there are less stock houses as there were years ago. You buy everything forward, and plan a lot. It's very enjoyable seeing the results, that was something I've loved," she said.

Pictured: Eamonn Bracken Menswear, a fixture on Portarlington's main street that will be dearly missed

What are the Brackens most looking forward to in their retirement?

"We are definitely excited to have a bit more time off," Bernie laughed.

"We can't wait to have more time with the grandkids and to pursue a few hobbies. Eamonn likes farming with Keith, looking after the horses and cattle. I love to walk and to travel, so having a bit more time to ourselves will make it all much easier," she said.

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The Brackens would like to reassure customers they are booked to cater wedding wear for, that their services will still be provided for. They are excited to embark on their new wedding and dress hire business, and thank the community for their kindness.

Best wishes to Eamonn and Bernie on their happy retirement!