MEET THE BAKERS: Offaly mother and daughter team run successful home bakery in Tullamore

A disastrous fire which destroyed one of the Tullamore's most popular old-style grocery stores and newsagents in 2008 propelled its owners to diversify into a new business model, better suited to the changing retail market in 21^st century Ireland.

A landmark trading establishment, Tyrrell's grocery conducted business in bustling O'Moore St since it was founded by the husband and wife partnership, Kathleen and Matt Tyrrell in the mid 1940s.

Their daughter Ann McCormack took over the thriving concern in 1987 and continued the grocery business until tragedy struck in 2008.

But the formidable Tullamore woman, in tandem with her daughter Aisling who also played a key role in the business, grasped an opportunity and a new venture arose phoenix-like from the ashes.

Now, in 2026, traditional brown soda bread, mouth-watering apple tarts, flavoursome fruitcake, succulent scones, and delicious iced buns are some of the tasty treats which are firm favourites with customers at Tyrrell's home bakery.

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"I always loved cooking and baking from a very early age and learned my skills from my late mother," pointed out Ann.

Ann, who had been involved in the original grocery store since the tender age of 15, enhanced her home-learned skills with a series of courses, including one at the world famous Ballymaloe cookery school in Cork, run by Myrte and Darina Allen.

Daughter Aisling, who now runs and operates the home bakery, stressed that both she and her mother are essentially self-taught.

"We couldn't give you a detailed recipe but we know exactly how many cups of ingredients combine to bake our produce," added Aisling.

She stressed that all their bread products are both yeast and sugar free thus ensuring a natural and traditional taste which their customers, both regular and new, enjoy so much.

Aisling has a busy working day to ensure all the produce sold in Tyrell's in fresh when the store opens each morning.

"I'm up at four in the morning and busy baking the produce in our home kitchen, on the premises, before the shop opens at 7.30am," outlined Aisling.

She stressed she couldn't operate without her hard-working and loyal staff and the contribution of her many nieces and nephews.

Fresh from her busy Christmas period, Aisling outlined that her nieces and nephews were an invaluable help and particularly enjoyed baking - and eating - festive fare, especially the mince pies.

Tyrrell's conducted a thriving Yuletide trade last December with customers lining up to order their signature Christmas cakes and other festive staples.

Tyrrell's has built up a large, loyal, regular clientele base with many of them dropping in daily for their favourite produce, whether its apples tarts or scones, iced buns or cakes.

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Their brown bread – made to a traditional recipe – is especially popular with punters and customers are advised to get to the O'Moore St outlet early in the day to ensure they're not disappointed.

"Aisling has a great way with customers and meeting people, whether it's regulars or new faces," pointed out Ann.

Tyrrell's also boasts a deli-counter which is freshly stocked each day and customers can enjoy soup and sandwiches at lunch-time.

Ann and Aisling inherited their work ethic from the latter's parents, Kathleen and Matt, who converted the family home into the original grocery store and newsagents in 1946.

A native of Kilkenny, Matt operated a large plumbing business serving households and businesses in Tullamore and throughout Offaly and the wider Midlands, and the duo also found time to raise a large family.

Ann is very proud that Aisling is the third generation to run the family concern though the business has changed dramatically in the decades since it was founded.

She is also proud of the achievements of her other sons and daughters, including Fianna Fail TD, Tony, who was elected to the Dail in the last General Election, and daughter, Siobhan, a talented artist.

Though the home bakery is now firmly the mainstay of the business, Aisling pointed out that they have kept some of the popular aspects of the old store, primarily the limited newsagency service which is popular with regular customers.

Another important aspect of the business is the ordering of home-baked produce by customers, often for special occasions, said Aisling. Tyrrell's can be contacted at 057 9321203.

With such an early start to each day for Aisling, Tyrrell's closes at three in the afternoon, allowing her time for family and social duties.

But it's a case of early to bed for the busy baker as the working day rolls around fast with her 4am start in the home kitchen.