Thurles Information

In a recent post entitled, “Ní neart go cur le chéile. – No strength without unity”, (View Here), we shared a directory of links to local businesses who promote an online presence.

Today we place ‘the spotlight’ firmly on one such successful Thurles business that has cared for Thurles and Co. Tipperary customers, for 3 generations.

Frank Roche & Sons
Since its establishment in 1960, Frank Roche & Sons has evolved and expanded to sell a diverse and comprehensive range of products including wallpapers, paints and decorative accessories, housewares, china, glass, giftware, domestic appliances and so much more.

Do check out the video hereunder, which showcases just some of the brands and products, available to purchase for loved ones this Christmas.

If you can’t decide what exactly to purchase for that ‘someone special’, do contact Frank Roche & Sons to arrange a Voucher, allowing for your loved one to easily find a gift to treasure always.

To shop online at Frank Roche & Sons, visit www.frankrocheandsons.ie/

Iconic Brands Stocked Include:- Genesis; Wedgewood; Royal Doulton; Tipperary Crystal; Waterford Crystal; Galway Crystal; Denby; Ansley; Belleek; Newbridge, Willow Tree.

Early History of the Building Housing the Premises Operating as Frank Roche & Sons, No 57, Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

In 1846 the building at No 57, Main Street Thurles (Now Liberty Square, Thurles) was a Warehouse owned by Thomas Moloney, the rear of which was easily accessed by Cooke’s Lane [Latter situated immediately to the right, as you stand facing the current attractive shop front] The lane was named after Archibald Cook, himself in 1846 trading next door as a Sadlier and Grocer and now occupied today by a Turkish Barbers Shop. Cooke’s Lane also gave access to a pawn shop and a forge at the rear of the featured premises.

In 1846 Mr C. Duan resided to the left of Roche’s and same premises traded as a Bakery and Toy Store. This latter premises would later become Thurles Post Office occupied by An Post until September 2019, before moving to Thurles Shopping Centre, some 500 metre south of Liberty Square.

The building would next be acquired by Meagher Brothers who sold clothing from the premises.

Frank Roche Snr. fulfilled a long held ambition, when he opened his own business, having previously worked in Molloy’s hardware shop, (Just a few doors further up the street, currently today occupied by AIB Bank), for over 35 years. Himself a native of Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Frank Snr. had served his apprenticeship in Kelleher’s Hardware in Skibbereen, before moving to Thurles in 1925. He had been chief buyer for Molloy’s for many years, when his eldest son Allen joined him as a staff member and served his own apprenticeship there.

Frank Roche Snr. had met his wife Maisie Mullaney from Cathedral Street Thurles, before getting married in 1936. They raised a family of six children, with Allen, Frank Jr. and Mary continuing to work in the business.

From small beginnings the company grew under the careful stewardship of Frank Snr. who set about securing agencies for iconic brands such as Waterford Glass, Belleek China, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton, Ladro and Hummel, making them available to the people of Thurles and its hinterland. Home decorating became a key part of their business with brands such as Crown, Colortrend, Sadolin and Farrow & Ball.

Members of the third generation of the Roche family now work in the company, ensuring continuity of the business in providing their iconic brand products to not just the people of Thurles and Co. Tipperary, but also to any address within the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.

Do check out their website & continue to Shop Local.