'It was time to go' Owner of popular Tipperary restaurant explains closure
Ryan's Daughter, Thurles, closed for the final time recently
Thurles restaurant Ryan's Daughter has closed after 50 years in business.
The restaurant, located on O'Donovan Rossa Street, has been serving the town for five decades, and has been a popular choice for food lovers throughout that time.
Posting on Facebook, Tipperary author John G O'Dwyer lamented the loss of the restaurant, commenting on how it will be a great loss for Thurles.
He said: "After a wonderful 50 years in business, Ryan’s Daughter Restaurant in Thurles served its last customers today. Offering great home cooked food, it also served as a home from home for its many loyal customers and often seemed more about the chat than the food. Wishing Gary, Geraldine and of course wonderful chef James, all the best with their retirement."
Speaking with the Tipperary Star, owner Gary Roche explained the reasons behind their decision to close.
“We’ve had medical issues in the house, and we just decided it was time to go, after 50 years, almost 50 years to the day, in May. So we decided to go.
On the support received from patrons and townspeople following the announcement, Gary said: “We’re overwhelmed, overwhelmed with the generosity of people from Thurles long before the closure. They kept us going. People from Thurles, and the surrounding areas, always so good to support here, always so good. Their goodwill messages to us, fantastic.
On what the future holds for Gary and Geraldine, Gary said: “With a bit of luck, plenty of free time now. No worries.”
Gary and Geraldine recounted stories of the origins of the restaurant, with Geraldine explaining that the name came from her maiden name, and how it led to a photographer from the set of the 1970 film of the same name gifting them original prints from the film, which hung proudly on the walls of the restaurant alongside the many other photographs and paintings.
The business has been operating as Ryan’s Daughter for the past 50 years, named eponymously for Geraldine, who operates a restaurant and café under the same name in Cashel.
The building was previously Roche’s, a shop owned by Gary’s parents.
The restaurant has a message posted on the window of the building, offering their thanks to their customers throughout their time serving the people of Thurles.
It reads: “After 50 years in business, it is now time to go & retire.
“We want to thank the great people of Thurles & the surrounding area for their wonderful support over many years.
“Great days, Munster finals, one all Ireland hurling final not to mention the old Feiles, fantastic times.
“Ryan’s Daughter restaurant was a meeting place for young & old, almost like a pub with no beer.
“We wish our great staff the very best for the future.
Now looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. Gary & Geraldine.”
Speaking with Tipperary Live, Refresh Thurles Tidy Towns said: “Refresh Thurles Tidy Towns wish Gary and Geraldine Roche a very happy retirement as they closed Ryan's Daughter Restaurant in recent days after 50 years in business. Ryan's Daughter had great staff over the years. Ryan's Daughter Restaurant had a great reputation in Thurles and for many years it really had the best presented shopfront in the town.Ryan's Daughter Restaurant will be missed in Thurles.”