THE Veritas shop in Letterkenny is to close later this year, following the announcement this week that the company is to be wound up. The Letterkenny shop which first opened in 1988 is to close with the loss of eight jobs.

It is one of seven stores operated by the charity registered company which has a strong publishing profile as well as being Ireland’s foremost religious retailer. The other stores are located at Abbey Street, Blanchardstown, Tallaghtin Dublin; Cork; Derry; Limerick and Newry and they also have an online shop.

Speaking to the Donegal News yesterday, Letterkenny Veritas Manager Sheila McMacken, said both she, the staff and customers were devastated by the news the shops are to close. Just two years ago the shop relocated to what was previously the A Wear shop on Main Street.

“I have worked with Veritas now for over 22 years. Everyone is in total shock at the news and many don’t have words to express that shock. We are totally devastated. I have had people calling in since the news broke to share their disappointment.

“I had two elderly ladies called in on Saturday and they were actually crying because of the impending closure. I had a text from Malaysia from a customer who comes in when they are here. She said she hoped to be in Ireland again before we close for good. We have to wait to be told by head office when that will be,” Ms McMacken said.

While some may know the Veritas shop through buying gifts for friends and relatives making their First Holy Communion or Confirmation, the Manager explained that it also provides all of the supplies required by the clergy.

“It is Ireland’s leading religious publisher and retailer of religious goods, with the seven shops across the island of Ireland and a warehouse facility in Blanchardstown,” she added.

Veritas Chairperson Chris Queenan described the closure as a “highly unfortunate situation which we are acutely aware will impact our employees, customers, and the communities we have served for close to 100 years”.

It will operate on a business-as-usual basis in the meantime and that the wind down will be completed in a controlled and orderly manner with the assistance of a substantial loan from the Irish Episcopal Conference.

Veritas was founded in 1899 to publish religious books, pamphlets and materials for the market in Ireland. It opened its first store on Lower Abbey Street in Dublin in 1928, and this location today also serves as its head office. It employs around 80 people across its publishing, education and retail outlets.

Veritas had its origins in the Catholic Truth Society of Ireland, which was founded in 1899 to publish religious books, pamphlets and materials for the market in Ireland