Londonderry: Shutters to come down on Jobby Crossan’s sport shop

Last year, he was the focus of a BBC One film titled ‘True North: The Trophy Shop’, which showcased Jobby’s Sport Centre as a meeting point for close friends and Derry’s go-to destination for sporting achievement awards.

The 86-year-old has now decided that ,after more than 40 years in business, the time is right to pull the shutters on the shop in Pennyburn.

This is where he supplied generations with football boots, balls and shin-pads and many trophies.

Since the ‘For Sale’ sign went up, Mr Crossan told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today and The Mark Patterson Show that had been inundated with well-wishers.

“I am not 17 or 18 anymore, I’m 86 and I think the time is right now to have a wee bit of a rest,” he told The North West Today.

“Before I had the shop, I actually owned a bar in the city when I was playing and that’s where I got to know how to handle the Derry folk.

“I loved having a yarn with people and everyone would come and talk to me about football.”

Mr Crossan said owning any business was not always smooth sailing, but that he had nothing but fond memories of being behind the counter.

“I have always loved the Derry people and they have always been very good to me.”