T Delaney and Sons Cycles has confirmed it is closing down as a result of the cost of living crisis, marking the end of Dublin’s oldest bike shop.
The business is ran by Brian Delaney, along with his brother Paul. Brian inherited the shop through generational lines, his great grandfather having first set up the premises in 1917.
Delaney’s is located at the busy Harold’s Cross junction near the Canal and has helped thousands of Dubliners with their bicycle repairs. The brothers told RTE that rising costs made it impossible to keep the family business afloat.
READ MORE : Full list of restaurant and cafe closures announced in Dublin recently
Brian told RTE: “We tackled it as best we could. We did longer opening hours, we cut our wages... It took a lot of time and a lot of thought and a lot of to and fro between me and my brother.”
However, they decided to sell up and begin a new chapter after consulting with their accountant. Costs have risen by as much as 60% for the shop in recent times, combined with mounting electricity bills and other financial pressures. The news has already spread quickly, as customers have already began to visit to say farewell to the Delaney brothers.
There was one constant throughout Delaney’s 105 year run: its trademark red shopfront, which apart from the occasional maintenance work has always been in place. Its vivid colour and prime location beside the bridge also made directions easier for people navigating through Harold’s Cross.
The shop’s history is likely most apparent in the back office, as the brothers reveal they have held on to invoices and records dating back to the 1960s. Brian adds that although both himself and Paul were nearing retirement age, they would have remained open for the foreseeable if economic pressures were not an issue.
He adds: “I don't think we ever thought it would last this long... being in the family and one generation took over from the next, but I don't think any of us realised we'd get to 105 years. Not much lasts that long these days, so we must have been doing something right.”
The shop and the two floors above it are currently up for sale. The shop will officially cease trading at the end of November.
READ MORE
-
Twitter layoffs: Firm accused of 'actively ignoring Irish labour laws'
Popular Dublin drag queen left injured after homophobic attack in city centre
Woman arrested in connection with Ballyfermot stabbing released without charge
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
