Where a shop opening is a heartbeat, not a hard sell

Shoppers and staff at the Halfway Shop in Ballymacelligott, Co Kerry, which is working with Local Link Kerry and Ballymacelligott Support Group to deliver groceries to local people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Pictures: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

Outside Pat McCarthy's Halfway Shop in Ballymacelligott, the owner is trading news and smiles with two neighbours and delivering that solemn, now patented, pledge.

"Call back tomorrow and I’ll have them for you," he says with a conviction that leaves neither lady doubting he’ll be good to his word.