There has been a mixed reaction locally to news that Rathwood Home and Garden Centre has formally gone into examinership.
The company announced the move on its website, confirming it cannot currently pay back any money owed to shoppers. This follows massive criticism over unfulfilled orders and delayed refunds.
Outstanding claims will now be handled by a court-appointed examiner.
While many customers remain furious, Coolkenno GAA has come out in support of the local company on its Facebook page, stating they give the business and the Keogh family their full and unwavering support.
Local Independent Councillor William Paton says he is deeply disappointed that it has come to this, but argues there are two sides to the story.
“I’m genuinely disappointed that it has gone to examinership. I can only imagine that there’s a lot of people angry with Rathwood based on the media reports and what you’ve heard on various different radio shows over the last couple of weeks, but there’s another side to this story which I think needs to be told which is that Rathwood and the Keogh family in particular have been very, very good to the General Tullow/Coolkenno community that they have supported many local initiatives and helped sports clubs and various different groups with sponsorship.” said William.
“So there are two sides to this story and I wouldn’t like one side of the story to be buried under an avalanche of people feeling aggrieved and angry that they haven’t been treated well by the business.” he added.
