Irish Label Archive

Orla and I were saddened to hear of the recent death of John Mullaney Snr on 20 August. In 2017, we hosted a textile and fashion history themed walking tour of Sligo town and Mr Mullaney was generous enough to welcome us into his family's clothing and drapery store @mullbros - a beautiful and proudly preserved gem on Sligo's main street. He was the only resident of the street, on our visit he invited our group into his private residence so people would have an idea of what it was like living above the shop. His family has operated the store since 1909 and continues the legacy through three generations. He was one of Sligo's finest gentlemen - he and his style will be greatly missed. 

Mr Mullaney sold me a man's wool fedora a few years ago while I was not long out of college, restless and looking for an occupation, to make my mark on the world. I had a notion that I would like a smart hat, and headed for the distinctive Edwardian shopfront on O'Connell Street. Mr Mullaney had probably met every type of person you could meet over his long lifetime on the shop floor and behind the counter - yet he made you feel like the most important customer in the shop, as you were making a significant sartorial decision that required due thought. It was exciting to experience this level of personal service. Wearing a distinctive pinstripe suit, he advised me on how to style my hat - a silk scarf around the brim perhaps, or a feather in the band? It even folded up in your luggage. I was sold. While I've not worn the hat for a number of years, the memory of that lovely interaction crosses my mind every time I look at it. On Mr Mullaney's advice, I even wore a peacock feather in it during my Victoriana era!

Image: Tara Baoth Mooney and Zoë with Mr Mullaney in 2017.