A West Belfast butcher has reflected on 35 years serving his customers and community as he prepares to close his shop.
Danny Collins entered the butchers on Springfield Road when he was 16 years old with the aim of completing a couple of weeks work experience, but took to the trade very quickly and more than three decades later he was not only still working there, but owned the business.
The premises has been a butchers in the Beechmount area for 120 years, and was once owned by renowned former Belfast Celtic player Jackie Vernon.
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Danny's brother Sean started working there with Jackie 45 years ago and Danny joined the team 10 years later, with the butchers becoming beloved by the local community for its homemade sausages and stuffing.
The brothers, who grew up round the corner on Malcomson Street, eventually became owners of the business and ran it together until Sean had to take a step back and Danny took over with the support of his wife Teresa and his children.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Danny said that he was sad to be closing the doors for the final time but he couldn't continue running it as costs have continued to increase over the past few years and didn't want to pass this on to his customers by putting up his prices.
He said throughout the years he has made some great friends working at the butchers and will miss his loyal customers dearly along with the other businesses on Springfield Road who have been very supportive.
Danny said: "There has been a butchers here on Springfield Road for the past 120 years and it has been a huge part of my life since I was a teenager. I originally only came in to do a bit of work experience as my brother was working here already, and 35 years later I was still here.
"When I first started out the place was absolutely buzzing, even right through the Troubles it was an important part of the community, but with the rise of supermarkets and changing shopping habits it has becoming harder and harder to be a butcher. Ultimately it has just got too tough with constantly increasing costs to keep this place open and I am just thankful for all of the support the community has given me over the years.
"I am going to miss my customers the most and the banter that we have together. It has been great coming in here everyday and chatting with everyone and hearing about what is going on in everyone's lives.
"Since I announced that we would be closing it has been very touching to see some of the responses from people who said how much we meant to them and how they will really miss our sausages when we are gone. Some of the other businesses in the area have also been in for a chat and they have been very supportive over the years and great people to work beside."
Danny's wife Teresa said: "Over the past few years it has really been a family effort running this butchers as I have chipped in to help and our children have done shifts with their dad in order to help out a bit.
"Our son has even said that he is going to turn vegetarian if he can't have the sausages that his dad makes anymore.
"It will be a big change for us all and we are sad that the shop will be closing, but we know that this is the right decision and we are just thankful for all of the support we have had over the years."
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