Jack Dunne and Son keeping the men of Gorey in style for 25 years!
Highly respected drapery business Jack Dunne and Son is celebrating 25 years since first opening in Gorey on July 15, 1993.
Jack Dunne was already well known and highly respected in the drapery trade. He spent 35 years working at Bourke Roche’s in Enniscorthy, before moving to Gorey to work at Eric Barron’s for six years.
At the age of 63, Jack decided to enter into business with his son Paul, and they opened Jack Dunne and Son at 94 Main Street, where Patridge’s is today.
Less than two years later, they moved across the road to 5 Main Street, and then in 1999, Jack Dunne and Sin made their final move to 79 Main Street when Paul bought the premises formerly known as Mystique, a ladies’ boutique.
For Paul, working in retail was always something he wanted to do.
‘I did Business and Marketing in college and then I did trainee Management in Dunnes Stores,’ said Paul.
Jack passed away at the age of 81 in February 2021, but his name still remains above the door.
‘When we first opened it was a retail shop for menswear with formal hire,’ said Paul. ‘We still do both but have added a little bit more throughout the years. Upstairs is the formal hire, and downstairs is the retail.’
Throughout 25 years in business, Paul said the major fashion change he has noticed is the growing popularity of suits.
‘At the moment they are big with the younger crowd,’ said Paul. ‘It used to be just weddings, but now they want a suit for any occasion.’
Jack Dunne and Son has four staff, compared to just two when they first opened.
Paul paid tribute to all his customers down through the years and thanked them for their continued support.