One of the best-known sweetshops in the county has finally closed its doors – reviving memories for thousands of local secondary and national school pupils who had made it their daily treat.

When Hynes’ Sweetshop first opened several decades ago, it quickly became a Tuam institution – packed with young customers in the mornings, at lunchtimes and again in the afternoons.

Operated by Christina Hynes and her late husband Paddy, the sweetshop – along with Quinn’s on Bishop Street – were the go-to destination for generations of pupils.

But now it is no more, and Christina’s son Derek Hynes described it as both the end of an era and a new chapter in the family business.

“Hynes Sweetshop officially closed its doors for the final time on Saturday. It’s the end of a sweet era, and we want to thank every single customer who made it such a wonderful chapter,” he said.

But he revealed that their association with Bishop Street was far from over – as their mother would be moving next door where the family operate a gift shop.

“Our incredible mother, Christina Hynes, is already carrying on the family legacy right next door at our gift shop. You can still stop by and see her for a friendly face and a little piece of that Hynes magic,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to this new chapter and hope to see you all soon.”

Many locals replied to the news of the shop’s closure with heart-warming stories of their trips to the Sweetshop.

As one online post put it: “Paddy and Christine were legends, and their legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who walked through those doors.”

Pictured: Christina Hynes at Tuam Gift Shop.