Murray’s
Christmas window display 1922. In later years a large
Christmas tree with coloured lights was erected outside the
shop every year.
It was prior to the census of 1911 that Patrick Murray came
to Carlow from Monaghan to work in the Royal Hotel in Dublin
Street.
On the 4th March his wife Kathleen from Co Tipperary gave
birth to their first child while resident at 23 Dublin
Street.
A short time later they moved to 25 Dublin Street and
Patrick opened his ‘High Class Confectionery and
Tobacconist’ shop, which became known to generations of
Carlovians as Murray’s.
Aidan Murray became a primary school teacher and taught in
the CBS in College Street and later on Station Road. Aidan
married Madge Ryan in 1944 and they continued to run the
shop until the 1980’s.
Aidan was involved in great number of organisations and
activities connected with the town. He represented the INTO
(Irish National Teachers Organisation) and sat on the VEC
(Vocational Education Committee) which later developed into
the Regional College, now the IT.
Aidan formed the Carlow Septet in the 1930’s with Pearse
Prendergast, Billy O’Connor, Stan Reynolds, Jack Kirwan, Tom
Meighan and Joe Donohue. The Graiguecullen Choir was also
created in the 1930’s by Aidan at the request of Fr Cullen.
Maureen
married Willie Bramley from Abbeyleix and they opened their
jewellery shop in Dublin Street. Their son Pat any Dympna
and their sons Philip and Stewart continue to run the
business.
Reputation they say is earned not assumed! Bramleys of
Carlow have provided customers with over 70 years of
customer service and dedication.
Three generations of Bramleys have been serving the people
of Carlow and the Southeast of Ireland, with the finest of
gems and precious metals from all over the world. 70 years
later.... and Bramleys sees the third generation of the
family making a name for himself in the world of jewellery
design, Philip Bramley is fast becoming a recognised name in
the world of fashion and specialist jewellery design. His
exciting designs are much sought after and are based on
Celtic and Natural Influences: wood, water, stone.
Source:
What’s On Carlow magazine
