During a period of rapid population growth and isolation from larger centres, the existence of general stores was essential to the life of the community. By 1910, Burren Junction Mulckeys had one of the original stores in Burren Junction. By 1910, Burren Junction could boast as well to having a fruiterer, several agents, a blacksmith, a baker, a tailor (James Scott) and a coach builder (William Boake). (16)
It is thought that Mulckey's store, located in Alma Street, was taken over shortly after 1916 by McIntyre Bros. According to records supplied by Mr Les Murphy, the premises, which were located near the present site, were destroyed by fire about 1920. (17). Kecbles were later to operate this store, which they still held in 1930. It is thought McIntyres held the store again for a while before it was taken over by the company known as A. E. Collins and became Pernewan's Store during the 1960's to 1978, when it was purchased by the present owners Tim and Pat Collins (nee Stevens), both descendants of the Collins family and Murphy family respectively, who were early residents of Burren Junction.
More on the Shopping facilities
The coming of the railway line to Burren Junction necessitated the building of a Railway Refreshment Room at Burren. The Refreshment Room had definitely been completed by July 1905, as a Wee Waa newspaper dated 22nd July, 1905 reports on a ball being held at the Railway Refreshment Rooms in aid of funds for a Catholic Church at Burren Junction. The first Manageress to be appointed was Miss Catherine Jane (Kate) Bolger, mother of Cyril and Jack Radford. The complex included a refreshment room, accommodation for staff and a limited number of beds for emergencies. According to records supplied by Cyril Radford, the Burren Junction refreshment rooms were well known for the quality of service offered there. Kate Bolger resigned her position to marry Peter Radford during the latter part of 1908. Arthur Mould is listed as proprietor of the Railway Refreshment rooms in 1910. J. A. Mould is listed as storekeeper in a later directory, but it is thought that this is in reference to the Railway Refreshment rooms. (23).
The White Rose Cafe was situated in Alma Street between Tom Atkinson's agency and the boarding house belonging to Mrs Harris. In the 1930's it was owned by Nick Comino. During the 1950's, the Horne family conducted the cafe until it met the burning fate suffered by so many of the buildings in Burren Junction.
Around 1962, Bob Peak built a cafe next to the C.W.A. rooms, and this was later used as a butcher's shop by Rod Williams. Mr and Mrs Kevin Carroll started a cafe in the old bakery premises in 1979 and continued until about 1983, when the business closed.