Cairnes brewery to cease business

DROGHEDA was stunned on Monday when it was learned that the old-established Firm of Cairnes Ltd., brewers, are to cease business in the New Year. The reason given for this decision is contained in a statement issued by Col. T. A. E. Cairnes, D.S.O., Chairman of the Company, which was issued over the week-end.

In his statement, dated 20th December, Colonel Cairnes says:— “It is with the utmost regret that I have to report that the Company has suffered a loss of £27,065 for the year ended 30th September, 1958.

“For a number of years past the brewing side of the business has been carried on at a loss and the loss has been increased this year. That is, to some extent, due to the deplorable weather experienced in the summer of 1958. In addition to the increased brewing loss the profits from our other activities such as our whiskey and makings have shown a decline which has reduced the amount available to offset the brewing loss.

“Your Directors have, for a considerable time, been giving earnest consideration to the wisdom of carrying on brewing. They have now decided that there is no reasonable prospect of ever being able to show a profit on the brewing side of the business and that, therefore, brewing should cease as soon as practicable after 31st December, 1958.

“This serious decision has been arrived at by the Directors with the greatest regret as apart from their natural reluctance to close down a brewery which has been

established for so lomg, they appreciate to the full the hardships which this must inevitably entail. The Directors are anxious to ensure that this step, as far as possible, will not reduce the goodwill associated with the name of Cairnes and its ales.’