Brendan Barry’s Toureen Trading Ltd of Midleton, Co Cork, trading as East Cork Travel and Discover Travel, has taken over Slattery Travel in Fermoy. Joe Slattery plans to retire from the business after almost 50 years in the business – but the Slattery Travel name will remain above the door.
Joe’s father started the business as an all-purpose store in Fermoy in 1954 and Joe joined him after his Junior Cert – and so has been a travel agent for the past 50 years. “My son Trevor was involved in the agency for a number of years, but then we opened up a small general sports shop that he now runs. I have been chatting with Brendan about this change for a time and I decided not to renew my licence this year.
“I am staying on for a few months to ensure a smooth handover and am happy that the name is being kept and that the agency will be in good hands. Our two full-time staff members will continue on, but I will leave, perhaps by the end of the year or a bit later.
“I plan to join Trevor in the sports shop – and to improve my golf! My handicap has dropped from a 6 to an 18. My favourite destination during those 50 years? South Africa.”
East Cork Travel was started in Midleton by Brendan Barry in 1995. Five years later the agency introduced its Discover Travel programme, specialising in China and Vietnam, as well as Thailand and Cambodia, in Asia, and also Egypt. Its new website now lists 16 destinations.
“Fermoy is a good town and has quite a catchment area,” said Brendan. “We are keeping the Slattery Travel name because it has made its mark over the decades and is a very good name with top-class staff. In addition to our own long-haul programme we will also be adding a strong interest in cruising to the Slattery Travel offering.”
