THE HEADLESS PHOTO BLOG

PHOTOGRAPHED AUGUST 2022

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I recently came across an online comment lamenting the disappearance of Stillorgan Shopping Centre, now replaced by “Stillorgan Village.” I share the sentiment; these rebranded names often lack character and historical connection. It brought back memories of my own experiences with this iconic Dublin landmark.

Having moved to Stillorgan in the early 1960s, I witnessed the area transform. Back then, Stillorgan was a village in the truest sense, with charming cottages lining the road. I recall these cottages lacking running water, relying on a communal pump. Then, the cottages were demolished to make way for Stillorgan Shopping Centre, a pioneering development for Ireland.

A New Era for Irish Retail

Officially opened on 1st December 1966 by then Taoiseach, Seán Lemass, Stillorgan Shopping Centre was the brainchild of architect John Costello, inspired by his travels to America. While not the first shopping centre globally, it was undoubtedly one of the earliest outside of the USA, introducing this novel concept to Ireland. The centre boasted three supermarkets – Powers, Liptons, and Quinnsworth – a novelty at the time.

The construction of the shopping centre involved significant changes to the local landscape. Cottages that stretched from Oatlands College to the end of the Dublin Road were razed, with the rubble used to level the ground for what is now Páirc De Burca, the playing field of Kilmacud Crokes GAA club.

Before the Shops, There Was Bowling

Stillorgan Bowl, Ireland’s first bowling alley, opened in 1963, predating the shopping centre. This highlights the gradual modernisation of leisure and retail experiences in the area. At the time there was a rumour that it was established by the owner of Tayto However, there’s no evidence to support the claim that it was owned by the founder of
Tayto crisps (discussed in greater detail below).

Stillorgan’s history extends beyond the shopping centre. The area boasts a rich tapestry of pubs, cinemas, and breweries. Bolands (or Bolands on the Hill) is Stillorgan’s oldest pub, once a favourite haunt of renowned Irish writers like Brian O’Nuallain (Myles na gCopaleen) and Maurice Walsh.

The original Ormonde Cinema, a grand structure with a seating capacity of 980, opened in 1954. Sadly, it was demolished in 1978, replaced by an AIB bank. A new, smaller Ormonde Cinema opened in the early 1980s and continues to operate today.

A Changing Landscape

Over the years, Stillorgan Shopping Centre has undergone various transformations, with discussions about expansion and redevelopment ongoing for many years. While the centre may be gone, replaced by Stillorgan Village, its legacy as a pioneer in Irish retail remains.

When I visited in August 2024, there was a construction site where the Bowling had been and was sad to see that it had been demolished.

Origins and Opening:

Inspiration: Jackie Murphy and his family discovered a small bowling alley in Switzerland while on holiday, inspiring them to bring the concept to Ireland.
Planning and Construction: Four years of planning and a year of construction culminated in the Stillorgan Bowl’s opening in December 1963.
Cost: The project cost almost £250,000.
Features: 24 lanes with automatic equipment from the American Machine and Foundry Company, a snack bar, a meeting room, a shop, and spectator seating.
Pricing: 3/6 per adult per game, 2/- for children, free for spectators, and 6d for shoe hire.

Building and Design:

Construction: Built by Tredagh Building Company from Drogheda, with project management by Noel McCormack.
Unique Design: A clear roof span of 200 feet with no internal supports, achieved using aircraft hangar technology.
Mural: Featured a mural by artist and architect Oliver McCarron.
Flexibility: Designed to be used as a factory if bowling proved unsuccessful.

Growth and Expansion:

Early Success: International instructors were brought in to teach the game, and it quickly gained popularity.
Key Figures: Jimmy Kinsella (first manager), Paul Magee (prominent Irish bowler).
Associations: The Irish Tenpin Bowling Association (ITBA) was founded in 1964. Aer Lingus also formed a bowling club and later opened their own alley (ALSAA Bowl).
1989 Revamp: A £1.5 million expansion added 12 extra lanes and wheelchair access.
Amenities: The expansion included the Terrazzo restaurant/wine bar and the Woodlands Snooker Room.
Other Ventures: Con & Patrice Murphy ran a travel company (Star Travel/United Travel) from the site.

Later Years and Closure:

Acquisition: Treasury Holdings acquired the Stillorgan Bowl in 2006 for €65 million.
Rebranding: Rebranded as Stillorgan Leisureplex in 2012, incorporating snooker, pool, Quasar, and a play area.
Community Use: Used by various clubs and community groups, including Special Olympics clubs.
Sale and Demolition: Kennedy Wilson purchased the site in 2016 for €15 million and demolished the building in May 2021 to make way for apartments.
This information paints a comprehensive picture of the Stillorgan Bowl’s journey, from its innovative beginnings to its eventual closure. It highlights the significant role it played in introducing tenpin bowling to Ireland and its evolution as a leisure destination.

The founder of Tayto crisps was Joe “Spud” Murphy.  

He established the company in Dublin, Ireland in 1954. He is credited with inventing the world’s first seasoned crisps, specifically the cheese and onion flavour. This innovation revolutionised the snack food industry and made Tayto a household name in Ireland.  

Interestingly, there are actually two separate Tayto companies operating on the island of Ireland:  

Tayto (Republic of Ireland): Founded by Joe Murphy, this company is now owned by the German snack food company Intersnack.  
Tayto (Northern Ireland): Founded by Thomas Hutchinson in 1956, this company operates independently and is now part of the Tayto Group Ltd.
Although they operate separately, both companies share a similar range of products and have become cultural icons in their respective regions.

Essentially, here’s what happened:

1954: Joe “Spud” Murphy establishes Tayto in Dublin, Republic of Ireland.  
1956: Thomas Hutchinson secures a license from Murphy to produce and sell Tayto crisps in Northern Ireland. This was likely due to trade restrictions or distribution challenges at the time.  

Despite having different ownership, both companies maintain a friendly relationship and even share similar product ranges and branding (including the iconic Mr. Tayto mascot).
This “split” is a unique example of how historical circumstances and business decisions can shape the evolution of a brand.  
 

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