By Róise Collins
JERRY the Giraffe, the beloved motorised figure that once proudly stood in the window of Dillon’s supermarket, has returned to Letterkenny’s Main Street. This time, he’s found a new home at the popular Cottage Bar.
Dillon’s was the town’s first supermarket and an institution in its own right, and so was Jerry, who became a fixture in the supermarket’s window. With his long neck and colourful spots, Jerry was a beacon for every child who passed by.
Many ‘townies’ will recall being plonked on Jerry’s lap while their mammy got the messages; 10p was a small price to pay for few minutes’ peace.
“Every kid in town would have sat on Jerry,” recalls Letterkenny man Cathal Mac Fhloinn who has taken care of Jerry for the past 15 years.
“I tried to do a wee bit of research to find another one like him, but it’s been difficult,” Cathal explained.
“Jerry was made by a company in Scotland called R.G. Mitchell, who used to produce toys. From what I can gather, Jerry was made around the mid-1960s, which makes him about 60 years old now.”
Cathal has found similar giraffes, but none identical. That’s what makes Jerry so unique—especially considering he’s still in running order.
“Jerry used to run on the old 10p coins with the salmon on the front. So I have a bag of them at home,” Cathal said.
Over the years, people from across the world— from Dublin to Canada—have made offers to buy Jerry. Even a funfair passing through the town showed interest, but Cathal always declined.
“I thought it was important he stayed in Letterkenny,” Cathal said. “He’s of sentimental value to a lot of people here.”
Jerry was loaned to The Cottage Bar during last year’s Culture Night celebrations, where he quickly became the centre of attention.
People posed for nostalgic photos with him, and there were even a few pole dances, Cathal laughed.
Jerry also played a special role in the recent Letterkenny Reunion.
When Cathal decided it was time for Jerry to find a new home, locals were adamant that he return to The Cottage Bar, right next door to where he spent many of his years at Dillon’s.
Conal McGonigle, who runs The Cottage Bar, recalls vague memories of riding on Jerry when he went with his granny, who used to run the bar, to collect supplies from Dillon’s.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback since Jerry moved in,” Conal said. “Many of our regulars have shared their own fond memories of him.”
Cathal, knowing Jerry will remain nearby, is relieved that he can still pop in for a pint and visit his old friend.
However, it’s not just Cathal who feels the sentimental loss.
Jerry has been part of his family for 15 years, and his daughters, who grew up with the giraffe, were understandably upset to see him go.
But there’s some comfort. Cathal’s daughter, Caoimhe, is a musician who regularly performs at The Cottage during their open mic nights. She is consoled knowing that Jerry will still be there to watch her play.
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