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Henry Lyons’ department store in Sligo is a landmark on O’Connell Street. Established in 1835, its ornate cast-iron facade has survived the years nearly unchanged. When the war broke out in 1914, 34 people from the company joined up – more than a third of the male workforce.

The company displayed newspapers in the shop windows so that people who could not afford to buy them received the latest news of the war. But pride of place was reserved for the roll of honour, listing the names of Lyons employees who were at the front. One of the directors was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts in the Royal Flying Corps.

As supplies of certain goods dwindled, the store had to cut back on its range. But much of its business continued as before. They served customers from right across the region, including Countess Markievicz who would soon become a prominent figure in the movement for Irish independence. In her younger days she reportedly rode her pony from the family estate, Lissadell House, into the store to place an order.

In the aftermath of the Easter Rising, when political tensions ran high, the Lyons roll of honour was taken into the manager’s office. It has only recently been displayed again at the Sligo Museum. Richard Lyons and his daughter Hillary delve into their family store’s history.

Location: O'Connell Street, Sligo 54°16'20.6"N 8°28'33.9"W
Image: Henry Lyons' Shop past and present
Image courtesy of Richard Lyons

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