Cork City has seen a string of iconic family-owned businesses close their doors in recent years, including Con Murphys, Liam Ruiséal’s, Finbarr Cahill’s Menswear, Bresnan’s Butchers, Finn’s Corner, Household Linens, and John O’Flynn & Sons Butchers. While all businesses face challenges, many traditional family-run businesses find it hard to compete against larger players, particularly in retail where online competition and supermarket giants dominate. Increased costs and inflation have also had a crippling effect on these businesses. Unfortunately, succession is not always possible if there is no next generation willing or able to take over the business. Nonetheless, these businesses have been key features of Cork’s history and will be missed by many.
