Outpouring of gratitude for Newcestown shopkeeper who sold the Irish Examiner for 58 years

In a world where things are increasingly instant and impersonal, it's good to remember the things about Irish society that make us what we are.

Rural Ireland's village shops are meeting places, social hubs and amenities that are still very much part of the landscape and culture.

They provide the everyday essentials, be it a litre of milk, a loaf of bread, the newspaper or a chat to catch up on the local news.