Killeen's Irish Shop - A Manahawkin Landmark - Reopens

Killeen’s Irish Shop is back, thanks to the second generation of the family.

The store on the corner of North Main Street and East Bay Avenue has been a landmark in Southern Ocean County for many decades. It was founded by Imelda A. Killeen and husband Frank. But Frank died in 2003 and Imelda passed away on Jan. 6, according to The Sandpaper.

The shop's hours were drastically reduced a few years ago when Imelda stepped down. Son Peter - a Port Authority police officer who now provides psychological services for their members - opened the shop when he could, which wasn't often.

But the more he thought about his parents' legacy, the more he wanted to go forward. The shop now has regular hours and has even been expanded into an adjoining space.

“This whole thing wasn’t even a thought until my mom passed,” Killeen said. “I was thinking, should I take it, should I take it? It’s more a testament to my mom and dad and their legacy. I thought after they passed, that just to get rid of everything would seem cold.”

Some of the jewelry stock his mother ordered is still available, along with new Irish items. The store is open from 10 A.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 am. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

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