The late Christy Maye remembered fondly as Tullamore's Bridge Centre celebrates 30 years

THE vision and foresight of the late Christy Maye who changed the face of Tullamore during his lifetime was recalled at the 30^th anniversary of the shopping centre he developed in the Offaly county town last weekend.

A special plaque in memory of he extraordinary man was unveiled on the stairway in the Bridge Shopping Centre in the heart of Tullamore on Friday afternoon last by members of the Maye family to mark the anniversary.

Warms tributes were paid to the business man and farmer by a host of speakers on a special live Midlands 103 broadcast - hosted by Will Faulkner - from the central atrium of the centre.

The broadcast concluded with a short ecumenical religious ceremony conducted by representatives of the four main churches in Tullamore – Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist.

Over the past three decades the Bridge Shopping Centre has become a landmark in Tullamore, not only as a shopping destination but as a meeting place, an events venue and a hub of community life. From first jobs and first dates to festive parades, concerts and charity drives, generations of local people have shared important milestones within its walls.

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With more than €10 million raised for good causes and countless memories made, the centre has played a unique role in sustaining both the town centre economy and the spirit of the community.

Standout memories include the centre going smoke-free in 1997, placing it ahead of national legislation seven years later in 2004; quirky local tales such as the clock tower lighting interfering with nearby TV reception; festive traditions like real-firework Santa arrivals; and visits by Samantha Mumba, the band SIX, Dustin the Turkey, and many more.

The centre played a pivotal role in launching the career of local singer Simon Casey, a runner up on RTÉs ‘You’re A Star’ in 2003 in a time before text voting when contestants needed the support of their local community voting by landline.

Since opening on September 12 1995, this £12 million development (equivalent to €45m today) spanning 120,000 sq ft and anchored by Dunnes Stores and the IMC Cinema—has played a major role in Tullamore’s social and economic life.

From the outset, it included 20 ground-floor units with a further eight upstairs, offices, cinema, a 350-space car park and a central atrium that floods the Centre with daylight.

The relocation of the town’s post office to the Bridge Centre in 1996 brought a vital public service into the heart of the Centre, increasing daily footfall and reinforcing its role as a meeting point for the community.

Over 30 years, the centre has welcomed 90 million visitors, supported 10,750 jobs, including those builders who worked on its construction in the early 1990s.

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Speaking on the live Midlands 103 broadcast, the late Christy's daughter, Gillian described her father's enthusiasm and infectious nature and his commitment to the centre and Tullamore.

Tony McCormack TD, who moved his first business to the centre, said: “Moving my retail business to the Bridge Shopping Centre was a defining moment for me personally and professionally.

" Christy Maye’s vision gave me, and so many others, the platform to start out, create jobs, and serve the people of Tullamore. Thirty years on, it continues to sustain our town centre, support local enterprise, and provide a place where community life thrives.”

His words were echoed by his colleague, local councillor Declan Harvey, who is Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District.

The first manager of the centre, Paul Bell, now proprietor of the Brewery Tap, said the Bridge Centre was now in as pristine a condition as it was when he was briefly at the helm 30 years ago.

Roger Guiney, Dolan's Pharmacy, speaking on behalf of the retailers in the centre, said there was two reasons the development succeeded so well – its design and location and the the late Christy's ethos which was shared by the centre's manager, John Cusack.

Paying tribute to the late Christy's legacy, Deputy John Clendennen described the 30^th anniversary celebrations as a great occasion for customers and staff of the centre.

Ricey Scully, who famously stayed in a glass house in the centre to raise funds for Telethon, reflected on the late Christy's penchant for changing his mind about developments while solicitor, Dermot Scanlon remembered moving his office into the centre in 1991 when it was only partially constructed.

Fiona Goulding, from Dunnes Stores, said it was a privilege for her firm to be part of the centre for 30 years and they looked forward to the future there.

Manager John Cusack recalled commencing his role at the centre on the same weekend Tullamore Lions Club held a charity film premier screening of "Casper" in the IMC cinema.

He said that Christy Maye's ethos was local and paid tribute to those who had helped in organising the anniversary in particular Mairead Guinan from Tullamore Chamber of Commerce and Ronan Berry.

Her also made a special presentation to long serving employee, Graham Cahill, and to members of the Maye family. Two trees to be planted to mark the 30^th anniversary were also blessed by the clergy present.

The celebrations continued over the weekend with many shoppers contributing their own memorabilia to a special 30^th anniversary exhibition.

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