Major changes to two of Tipp Town’s most prominent businesses
There is a great degree of shock in the community with the recent news of major changes to two of Tipp Town’s most prominent businesses.
A landmark hardware store in Tipperary town is closing its doors, sealing over 140 years of history in the town, and a pharmacy that has been trading for more than 70 years, has been sold to a new generation of pharmacists.
Blackburn’s Hardware Store on O’Brien Street, Tipperary, has recently announced the closure of its business, whilst Costigan’s Pharmacy in Blind Street, Tipperary, has announced that they have sold the business. For both businesses it is a case of retirement being the reason for both decisions, and while the community is understandably shocked and saddened with both announcements, there is widespread recognition of the service provided by both and a genuine wish for health and happiness for both couples into the future.
Blackburn’s Hardware Store evokes many fond memories for local people and the Blackburn’s have been inundated with best wishes from neighbours and friends, far and wide.
One person commented online saying; “My grandmother used to have long chats with Tom’s mother, Mrs Blackburn, when I was a child waiting patiently. Lovely traditional old shop, always a relaxed atmosphere. There was work lined up when you stepped into Blackburn’s be it whitewashing, painting, replacing the fork handle, rat poison and Jeyes Fluid, to mention a few purchases. Best wishes to all the team and good health into the future”. Another person commented; “Very best wishes to Brigid and Tom. It was always a great pleasure doing business with you both. Enjoy the next chapter in life, health and happiness to you both”.
Meanwhile Independent Councillor John O’Heney, presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Blackburn Family on the occasion of their retirement. Speaking at the presentation, Cllr O’Heney said; “The Blackburn Family have served the Community with such great dedication over the generations. The store has been ever present in the town since 1884. They will be terribly missed by the entire town and wider area. Best wishes to staff members Stephen Hayes, Pat Ryan and John Heffernan as they leave the business, and to Jimmy Spillane who worked in the store for many years. Happy Retirement to Tom and Bridget. We all wish you the very best and continued good health long into the future” said the Independent Councillor.
A final comment from a local person sums up the feeling at the closure of the business. “The best neighbours and best place for all my DIY items. We shall so miss Blackburn’s on O’Brien Street. It will be part of history gone. Best wishes to you Bridget and Tom and all your great staff for the future”.
On March 31st, Costigan’s Pharmacy issued an important announcement on their Facebook Page, reading as follows; “After more than 70 years, Costigan’s Pharmacy has been sold to a new generation of pharmacists. We started in 1954 when my Mam and Dad, Nance and Bob Costigan, bought Darcy’s pharmacy and we grew up over the shop. In 1995 my husband John and our children moved back from England and I took over the original pharmacy at 52 Main street. In 2006 we opened what we thought would be a quiet second pharmacy in Unit 3 Kyle Court in Blind street. In 2018 we built the new Kylecourt Clinic and we moved the pharmacy from Unit 3 into the bigger Unit 4. In 2020, just as the pandemic hit, we merged the Main Street Pharmacy with the Blind Street Pharmacy and got the whole team under one roof.
So for me it has been a lifetime of pharmacy and just short of thirty years running the business. None of it would have been possible without my husband John holding the fort at home, and all the people who have worked with me over the years. And definitely none of it would have been possible without the people of Tipp town and surrounds – what an amazing community.
The powers-that-be have neglected and strangled the town but here we all are, still achieving. I hope I get an opportunity to meet most of our patients and carers in the pharmacy over the next few weeks, to say thank you. I’m very glad that the new owners are not a chain, they are a pharmacist couple, John Kennedy and Lynsay Moore. I know that with their younger and fresher eyes they will see many new ways to continue our legacy. Thank you to my family, to the fantastic people of the area, and always remembering the loved ones we have lost. Finally, a huge thank you to the hardest working team you could meet. Tipp Abu!, Siobhán (Costigan)”
There was a huge reaction online to the announcement with everyone paying tribute to Siobhán and John. One person commented; “Wishing you and John all the very best, Siobhán. We’ve all seen how hard you’ve worked over the past nearly 30 years in Tipperary. Well done to you and your fantastic team, and best wishes to the new owners”.
Many people remembered Siobhán’s late parents with one person saying; “The very best of luck to you Siobhán and John. My mother was very good friends with Nance and Bob and always loved calling in to Costigan’s for the chat. She always spoke so highly of them”. Many people also referred to the great service provided with one poster saying; “Wishing you and your family the very best as you move to the next phase of your life.
Thank you so much Siobhán for a fantastic, reliable and trustworthy service over the years”. Finally my own words to Siobhán and John on their retirement – I am very sad to see you leave the business Siobhán and John, but congratulations to you both on a lifetime of service and to your dear parents Bob and Nance, God rest them both.
You have provided such a wonderful service and Tipperary is a better place because of you. It is time for yourselves now, and for a well deserved happy retirement. Wishing you the very best of everything and also every good wish to the new proprietors. I am sure they will strive to provide as good a service as you have done.
To conclude I want to join with everyone in wishing Tom and Brigid and Siobhán and John the very best in their retirement and to congratulate them on their wonderful service to the town and wider community.