Peggy Smith inspired the 5.30am opening

August 2000

THE recent sad death of Margaret (Peggy) Smith of Fontabranda, Francis Street, and late of 11 Peter Street, Drogheda, was not unexpected, as she had been in failing health for some time.

Nevertheless, it came as a shock to her family, neighbours and friends when she died on July 21 at Drogheda Cottage Hospital, where she had been a patient for the previous six weeks. During her illness over the past few years her sister Betty cared for her at home, helped by nieces Mary, Beatrice and Margaret. During this time she was fortunate to have the services of two very kind carers and friends, Margaret McKenna and Marion McGinn.

Peggy was born in 1914 and although she was the daughter of the late James and Margaret Smith (nee Duffy), whe was known to many as Peggy Duffy.

She was educated at the Presentation Convent School, Duke Street, and from an early age had helped her aunt, Mary Duffy, in her newsagent shop at 11 Peter Slreeet, so it was no surprise that she went to work there full-time when she finished school. In 1933 Mary Duffy died suddenly at the age of 58 and Peggy took charge of the business which she ran until she herself retired in 1987.

Initially working on her own, Peggy found trading difficult, especially during the war years when rationing and shortages made it hard to get supplies.

However, after the war, she built up the business, selling newspapers, confectionary and groceries, her sister Betty joined her in 1948.

When the Drogheda laundry closed, her friend Frances Finnegan (later , Mrs. O’Neill) came to work full-time in the shop as did mary Fuller.

With the help of her brother Pat, she set up the best newspaper delivery service in the town and pioneered the 5.30am opening time.