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Our Story

Downey’s Butchers was founded over 100 years ago in the year 1910 by Thomas Downey. Thomas was born in Newry in 1886, married Anna Murphy and together they had 13 children. At the beginning of his working life, Thomas travelled around the roads of North Co. Louth in a small van selling meat to local homes.


When the border was put in place in 1922, it became more difficult for Thomas to operate his business in this area. He then established a small family butchers shop named T. Downey and Sons situated on Monaghan Street, Newry in the year 1936. A keen business man with little to no competition, Thomas, with the help of his children, quickly grew a strong customer base in Newry and became very successful. His youngest son Jim followed in his footsteps taking over the shop after his father died.


Our business has since expanded with the introduction of Jim’s son Declan to the team who helped develop our Deli, Hot Food and Sandwich Bar. With the business now entering it’s fourth generation of the Downey family, run by Declan and his daughter Niamh, we have expanded into event catering whilst still trying to maintain the original features and values of the shop.


From the beginning, we have taken pride in providing great customer service and top quality food to the people of Newry and beyond. Our loyal customer base who shop local and support small businesses are the reason our business has come so far. We hope their great support allows us to operate for many more years to come!

Our Team

Our loyal team are the heart of our shop, many of whom have worked with us for many years. Our customers come in to see them for a friendly catch up and occasionally a song!
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