Frank Roche and Sons Ltd. Hardware Shop first opened for business at 57 Liberty Square, Thurles in September 1960. It was established by Frank Roche Snr. aided his wife Maisie and Allen, their eldest son who worked in the business from day one.

The building had previously been the premises of Meagher Brothers drapery. Frank Roche Snr. fulfilled a long held ambition when he opened his own business after working in Molloy’s hardware shop, currently the AIB bank building, for over 35 years. A native of Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Frank Snr. had served his apprenticeship in Kelleher’s Hardware in Skibbereen before moving to Thurles in 1925. He had been chief buyer for Molloy’s for many years when his eldest son Allen joined him as a staff member and served his own apprenticeship there.

Frank Roche Snr. met his wife Maisie Mullaney of Cathedral Street in Thurles, they married in 1936 and raised a family of six children. Allen, Frank and Mary continue to work in the business.

From small beginnings the company grew under the careful stewardship of Frank Snr. who set about securing agencies for iconic brands such as Waterford Glass, Belleek China, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton, Ladro and Hummel, making them available to the people of Thurles and hinterland. Home decorating became a key part of the business with brands such as Crown, Colortrend and Farrow and Ball.

Now members of the third generation of the Roche family to work in the company, will ensure ncontinuity of the business and continue to provide homeware and decorating products to the people of Thurles and surrounding communities.