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Well known west Belfast shop - opened 20 years ago by murdered grandfather - to close

Younes Belal prepares Harry's Fruit & Veg shop for closure. Picture by Ann McManus
Younes Belal prepares Harry's Fruit & Veg shop for closure. Picture by Ann McManus Younes Belal prepares Harry's Fruit & Veg shop for closure. Picture by Ann McManus

THE greengrocer store owned by popular west Belfast man Harry Holland is to close its doors after more than 20 years in business.

Mr Holland died after he was attacked by Stephen McKee in September 2007 - but the Glen Road shop in his name, Harry's Fruit and Veg, lived on.

The greengrocer was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver as he tried to prevent his van being stolen from outside his home in Norfolk Drive.

McKee, who was 16 at the time of the attack, pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Two others, including his younger sister Niamh, were also sentenced for their role in his killing.

Following the murder, the Holland family decided to keep their father's shop open. However 11 years on they have now taken the decision to close saying they can't compete with the bigger supermarkets.

In an online post the family said it was with "much sadness that we let our customers know that this will be the last week for Harry's Fruit & Veg after over 20 years in business".

"It has been a happy place for us, as it was for him. Our Daidí opened the shop as a retirement project, and it became a wee den for him and his friends to chat, smoke roll-ups and listen to Bob Dylan and Warren Zeevon in peace.

"After he was killed, the support of his friends and our neighbours helped us open again. We especially want to thank everyone who placed big orders in the days after his funeral, to enable us to restock the shop and open the doors.

"It's why we love this place, and its people. The competition from big supermarkets has been tough and we have been operating at a loss for some time. We have mouths to feed so have to be practical".

The family said they would continue to deliver fruit and veg boxes.

"Finally, thank you to every friend and neighbour who has supported our business, called in to chat, help my Mamaí open and close on a Sunday and kept us company"