In this podcast, first recorded in November 2021, Chris chats with Alfie Murray (senior) about his life as a butcher. Alfie Murray Family Butchers is a well established third generation business at Cross Street, in Killyleagh, County Down.
Alfie started as an apprentice butcher, at the age of 16, with Belfast butcher, John Shaw, who had shops at 199 Newtownards, Road, 49 Ormeau Road and 11 Glensharragh Park. He talks about travelling to Belfast by bus from his home in the Ballygowan area to work each day. .n apprentice was signed up for 5 years in those days. Later in life, Alfie took up an opportunity to take over an existing butcher's shop at Cross Street, Killyleagh. It had been owned by Alexander Elliott, J.P.
Alfie comments on the many changes in the trade. "Years ago people came in looking for stewing meat, stewing lamb, ox hearts and kidneys. These things are all gone now. Nobody asks for these. Very few."
Alfie also talks to Chris about the life cycle of the turkey, and throws in some cooking tips for good measure!!
For more information on Alfie Murray Family Butchers go to:
https://www.facebook.com/alfiemurrayfamilybutchers