Concern for jobs at branches of Cork bookmakers

There were fears last night for the future of the staff at one of Cork’s largest bookmakers, Cashmans.

A sign appeared in the window of the bookmakers’ store in Passage West which read: “Ceased trading, details to follow.”

It is believed there was a meeting of the business’s staff at its branch in Sullivan’s Quay in Cork City yesterday.

Late last night, a number of staff were still at the location although its door was shut. One staff member did emerge but said he had no comment to make.

Earlier, a staff member told the Irish Examiner jobs were being lost. A businessman in Passage West said he had been speaking to a senior figure in the firm and had been told all the shops in Cork were to close.

Established in 1973, Cashmans had shops spanning both the city and county. In 2009, it sold five of its 11 shops to Ladbrokes.