04/06/2026
Beautiful photo. Bernard Scanlon originally from Polnabrone Menlough.
c1910
Bernard Scanlon, founder of Scanlons Shop in Ballygar, with his mother Nell. This photo was taken at Hills photographic studio in Galway in around 1910. Bernard orginally came from Polnabrone, Menlough, Co. Galway, his mother and father were from the same townland. Bernard moved to Ballygar a few years before this photo was taken. He worked as a shop assistant for the McDonnells who had a thriving business at the Mt Talbot end of town (this business was later purchased by the Pettit's). Some members of the McDonnell family were to meet a tragic end when they were murdered at their new home at 'La Mancha' in Malahide, Dublin, 100 years ago this year. It remains the largest mass murder committed in Ireland post independence. After serving his apprenticeship Bernard opened up his own shop in Ballygar, many of us remember his son Patsy in that same shop in the 1970's and early 80's. (special thanks to my great friend, Brian Scanlon, for this beautiful photo. Colorised by Pat McPhilbin)
