This article is from page 12 of the 2012-02-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
ALMOST 17 years after it first opened, Buskers musical instrument shop will close its doors in Ennis for the final time tomorrow.
A first port of call for a generation of aspiring young musicians and the place where many of Clare and Munster’s best known touring bands popped in to get equipment, Buskers has been a part of life on O’Connell Street since March 1, 1995.
An increase in the purchase of instruments online is one of the main reasons behind owner Philly Walsh’s decision to close the business.
He explained, “It seems to me that a lot of people now are buying over the internet. Rather than go their local shop, people are buying off the internet having never had the feel for an instrument.”
Philly also believes there has been a decline in the pub music scene.
He said, “There has been a huge de cline countrywide in musical instruments sales in general, along with a decline in the pub music scene. If bands aren’t working as often, then they are not getting the basic equipment, guitar strings, leads etc.”
Having worked as a drummer with bands on the showband circuit in the early 1990s, Philly decided to open his own business in Ennis.
Philly recalled, “It had kind of run its course and I had been working on the road for a long time. I decided to open Buskers because I felt there was no place catering for band or rock musicians. You had shops for trad music but not for bands.”
Buskers originally opened as a shop for music instruments but, over the years, Philly’s work moved more towards supplying and installing audio equipment. The Ennis native will continue to operate the audio equip- ment supply and installation business.
However, Philly admits that he is sad to be closing the business. He said, “It’s been my day job for the past 17 years. You were helping out kids who were buying the first guitar or keyboard. In one way, it’s hard but, in another way, it allows me to concentrate on the PA side of the business.”
Having worked in the centre of Ennis for almost two decades, Philly believes the town is facing serious challenges from large retail developments in Limerick and Galway.
“For a lot of people, if they are living outside Ennis, its almost easier for them to take the motorway to Limerick or Galway. Somedays, by the time you get into town and get parking, you’d be in Coonagh Cross quicker.”