Final scoop for ice cream shop after 103 years in business

A family-run ice cream shop will close its doors for the final time on Saturday after 103 years in business.

McGroggan's was famous for its homemade ice cream.

Shop owner Patricia McGroggan said due to a mix of rising costs and lower footfall in the town centre, the business was no longer viable.

"My ancestors came over from Scotland and started making ice cream in their kitchen.

"They then changed their front room here in Ballymena into a shop and it's been here ever since."

The business on William street in Ballymena has been owned and run by four generations of the family.

It was founded in 1922 by Hugh and Annie McGroggan, and its produce has won many awards over the years.

"We are heartbroken, we've actually been really busy this week with well wishes," said McGroggan.

Elle Brown,18, has been working part-time in the shop for the past year: "It's been great, it was my first job. I'm going to have to look for another part-time job now which might not be easy."

She said people have been feeling nostalgic as they have visited the shop for the last time.

Tanya Agnew bought an ice cream on the shop's last day of selling.

She said: "It's never going to be here again, so I thought it was important to get an ice cream, and stock up with the tubs as well."

Eileen Devine travelled over 30 miles from Dunmurry for one last cone at the shop which has deep family connections for her.

"My granny used to run the shop. I've no involvement now - my relations run it. I had to get an ice cream on the last day," she said.