Documentary recalls importance of mobile grocery shop in rural village

A CHERISHED memory of Rouskey’s community life takes centre stage in a documentary that will be shown at this month’s annual Foyle Film Festival in Derry.

The film revolves around the McConnell mobile grocery shop which was a popular feature of the village and surrounding area from the 1940s-1990s.

Titled ‘The Grocery Run’, it feataures interviews with locals who reminisce about their experiences with the mobile shop and its owners.

Among the contributers is Pat McSwiggan, now in his 90s, who worked in the mobile shop for nearly 50 years.

The documentary, partially funded by the Rural Community Network and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, was produced by Rouskey Community Development Association and Nine874 Creative, a production and graphic design collective based in Omagh.

An accompanying booklet, written by Omagh man, Joe Passmore, captures the profound significance of the mobile shop in the fabric of rural life.

“This film is a real Tyrone story about an interesting part of the history of rural Ireland,” Mr Passmore remarked.

“The mobile shop was essential for many people in rural areas and, in some cases, was the only way for people to buy essentials.

“The documentary is told by the people who worked in the McConnell mobile grocery shop and the people who used it. It is full of great stories and interviews, and is very funny and informative.”

l ‘The Grocery Run’ will be shown as part of the Reel Lives event section of the Foyle Film Festival which runs from April 10 to April 27.