Delahunts turn key in the door for the last time after 147 years
SV DELAHUNT and Co., the hardware store that has been at the heart of Wicklow town for 147 years, ceased trading on Saturday.
Proprietors Syl Delahunt and his wife Grace marked the day with a special event celebrating the history of the store, its employees, customers and suppliers.
Syl’s great grandfather, Thomas Delahunt, opened a bar and grocery in 1870 on Wicklow’s Main Street, where The Mariner public house is now located. His son, Sylvester, moved the business to its current location at Abbey Hill in 1907.
In the 1950s, the next generation took the helm. Tom Delahunt, ably assisted by Store Manager Pat Dunne, expanded the business, adding a bottling facility and builders providers.
In the late 1970s, Syl, the fourth generation, began working in the business, and has been a mainstay of the retail community for almost 40 years .
Speaking at the event in the store on Saturday, Syl Delahunt said: ‘As the proud fourth generation son of this wonderful business, it has been a very tough decision to cease trading. We have been blessed to have had an abundance of the hardest working people in Wicklow and I wish to extend a sincere and genuine “thank you” to each and every one of our employees for being part of our extended family through the years.
‘ To our loyal customers – we cannot thank you enough. Our mission was always to serve the people of Wicklow in a professional, courteous and friendly manner, and it has been my privilege to have been a part of that tradition. I would also like to thank our wonderful suppliers, many of them local family businesses. We have really enjoyed doing business with you.’
Many local business people, customers and former employees joined Syl, Grace and their family to officially mark the closing of the store.
The hardware store’s Facebook page has also been inundated with good wishes from those sad to see this landmark Wicklow business close its doors.