Tributes paid amid calls to honour visionary Christy Maye’s enduring legacy

A wave of heartfelt tributes and calls for a lasting memorial have followed the recent passing of Christy Maye the iconic figure in Tullamore’s business and social landscape. During the June meeting of Tullamore Municipal District, councillors paid glowing tributes to a man widely regarded as a trailblazer and a pillar of the community.

Councillor Neil Feighery led the tributes, describing Christy Maye as a ''visionary'', whose influence is ''there for all to see.'' He highlighted Mr Maye’s important contributions, including the Bridge House Hotel, the Bridge Centre, and the Bridge House itself establishments recognised across the country, he said.

"We need to come together in a collaborative and appropriate way to commemorate him. I hope you will support me in that. I want to extend my sympathy to Christy's family and all his colleagues and former staff members," said Cllr Feighery.

Councillor Sean O'Brien echoed those sentiments, emphasising Christy's unique ability to combine business acumen with genuine warmth.

"He was a great visionary, he had a natural skill for business," said Cllr O'Brien. "He started as a mental health nurse, then went on to start the first disc-a-go-go. He toured the midlands and it took off from there. He had that natural way about him; he was a very friendly man."

Describing him as business-focused yet deeply community-minded, Cllr O'Brien noted the impact he had on hospitality training.

"He trained so many people in bar and catering and a lot went on to develop their own businesses elsewhere," he added.

He suggested that the Municipal District collaborate with businesses connected to Christy, including the Bridge House and the Lions Club, to create a fitting tribute.

Councillor Shane Murray also extended his condolences, specifically mentioning Jason Maye as he said he knows him.

"Christy Maye was a DJ at my parents' wedding. He was one of the huge businessmen in town," he recalled.

Cllr Oliver Bryant shared a memory from an interview he heard on Midlands 103. Paul Bell, who once worked at the Bridge House before launching his own venture, had shared Christy's lasting piece of advice: ''Whatever you do, make sure you do it right. I think Christy did do it right. The Bridge House is known far and wide around the country,"said Cllr Bryant.

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Councillor Frank Moran reflected on Christy Maye’s broader legacy beyond Tullamore, acknowledging his impact across the Midlands."I want to express my sympathy to the Maye family,"he said.

Councillor Aoife Masterson offered a personal tribute, connecting her own life milestones to Christy Maye's establishments. "My parents had their first date in Greville Arms. I worked in the Bridge Centre for a time myself," she said. "His impact will be felt for generations. His drive to do better for the community, to deliver and see the best, he will be sadly missed."

Closing the tributes, Cathaoirleach Councillor Declan Harvey shared a final piece of Christy Maye’s practical wisdom: ''Always employ locals. You know what you are getting. You need someone that has a sense of humour, someone who will honour themselves and their own families.”

"He did an awful lot for this town and county as well as in Mullingar, and further afield," Cllr Harvey added, before calling for a minute’s silence in Christy Maye’s honour.

Christy Maye died on May 31 last.