A sad week for Sligo as Anderson’s and Baker Boys close their doors while iconic O’Grady’s ice-cream van serves last scoop

THE Sligo Metalheads group also posted about the news on their Facebook page to address concerns of whether or not their “Sligo Whiplash” festival will go ahead given Anderson’s were due to host it.

They wrote: “Unfortunately Anderson’s has decided to close. Which leaves (the) Sligo Whiplash Festival in some doubt.

“We have decided we will try and source another venue and see if it is viable to do.

“We will not pull the plug on Sligo Whiplash without pursuing all options unless we deem it absolutely necessary.

“We would like to wish all the staff and management at Andersons Grill & Bar all the best and a sincere thank you for looking after us all so well over these past few years.”

Meanwhile Baker Boys will be open for one more day – today (Thursday) before shutting shop for good.

A statement from them read: “We have come to the end of the road. After an incredible five years in Finisklin we will be closing doors today (Thursday, February 15).

“We want to give a huge huge shout out to all the Baker Boys crew that have been part of the journey. The coffee chats have been unreal.

“To our wonderful regulars, the fun, the chats and the support have been beyond amazing. Thank you.

“It's been emotional, it's been amazing and it's been such an epic journey and for that we are so grateful.” There was more sad news over the weekend as it was revealed the final scoop has been served and the final flake placed on top as an era of glorious toppings and lollies came to an end this week with ice-cream doyens, O’Grady’s calling it a day.

Edmund and Mary have been a regular mainstay on the streets, lanes and beeches across the county selling icecream to many a satisfied customer over the last five decades.

However, the couple have switched off the van and dished out their final cone to take a well-deserved retirement.

Edmund said: “It was a difficult decision. We’re at a certain age now – I’m 77 so you couldn’t go on for much longer now.

“I’d like to thank all the family and all the people who have supported us over the years.

“The business has changed drastically over the years. (Early on) the town was very small and there were only about four or five fairly big estates in the town.

“Of course a lot of families didn’t have refrigeration so they would get fresh ice-cream from us. It progressed from there.

“A lot has changed since then – the size of the town now, it’s more a city than a town.

“You had the same families still buying ice-cream from us – going all the way to great-grandkids. We met a lot of brilliant characters over the last 50 years. All the families were fantastic and the kids were brilliant and well-mannered – you couldn’t ask for better.

“The people of Sligo and beyond supported us. They would keep you on the road.”