East Cork business owner: ‘There’s something on the square for everyone’

APPROACHING Coach Horse Lane in Midleton, you can’t but notice the colourful mural that has appeared on The Square.

Commissioned by the traders of Coach Horse Square and painted by artist Serge le Belge, it captures a sense of the area’s history.

The present Coach Horse Square was built on the old Murane Forge and early maps show ‘smithy’, so clearly ironworking was done there, almost certainly the shoeing of horses.

The impressive mural features a coach and horses, all in a hurry to reach Coach Horse Square, now home to an eclectic range of shops including L’Atelier Stylist and Boutique, The Granary Café, Scarlett Boutique, JC Barbers, and Susan Herlihy Ceramics.

“Serge le Belge has painted other murals around Cork, including the Kiosk at St Luke’s Cross and a striking geometrical mural on doorways in Pine Street in Cork City,” says Ann O’Driscoll, stylist and owner of of L’Atlielier Boutique, who also help maintain the pretty pots planted up with beautiful colour that line The Square.

So it is hip to be on The Square?

“It sure is!” says Ann, whose passion and flair for fashion can be traced to her early childhood.

When did Ann land on Coach Horse Square?

“I purchased the retail unit in The Square just before the Covid global pandemic,” says Ann. “The planning began in early 2020 and then Covid hit us, and, due to lockdowns, I couldn’t open my doors until February, 2022.”

Ann was delighted to finally open her doors on The Square.

As a teenager my love of fashion increased, and I was forever altering garments and amending outfits to create different looks. It has always been my dream to have my own boutique.

Midleton fitted the bill.

“It is a wonderful market town with a cluster of lovely boutiques and independently owned shops, so I was thrilled to be able to source an appropriate property in Coach Horse Square - a beautiful little square in the heart of the town. There’s a lovely sense of community in the area and we are all passionate about improving it,” says Ann.

“For example, we have invested in planting and seating over the last two years to ensure that it is an attractive and welcoming space. During the summer, we organised a series of live music performances. This was a combined initiative by all of us in The Square and we invited young and old to come and enjoy some downtime in this car-free and welcoming space in the heart of Midleton.”

On the corner of The Square is Jean Cox - JC Barbers.

“I meet a lot of children who find a trip to the barber difficult and challenging, or may experience sensory issues,” says Jean. 

I find that kindness, time and patience always help to make their experience more enjoyable and comfortable for both them and their parents.

“Under my counter there, you will see some fine art by my customers. I have a fabulous art collection in my shop! One of my regulars agrees with me that the Incredible Hulk is our favourite super-hero!”

Indeed, the Hulk appears to be in fine fettle and bursting with colour.

How long is Jean on The Square?

“I have been here 13 years,” says Jean. “I always wanted to be a hairdresser, like my aunt Geraldine, whom I have always greatly admired. I started my training in 1992 in Salon 33 in Cork. Unfortunately, due to contracting dermatitis, I had to stop hairdressing in 2001. Shortly after, I became a barber, and I have never looked back,” says Jean.

“I love what I do. I have always enjoyed meeting people. I have extremely loyal customers and a varied mixture of customers of all ages from one-year olds to 93-year-olds.

“The Square is a lovely place to work with my neighbours. Strong links and friendships have been made throughout the years.”

Jack O’Sullivan, of the Granary Café, feels lucky to be trading on The Square as well.

“I was lucky to grow up in a house where cooking and homemade food was always present,” says Jack.

His mum, Eleanor O’Sullivan, opened the Granary in 1996. Back then, Midleton had only a few restaurants and home-made food to take away was very hard to find. Her idea was to bring the food she was cooking at home and market it for busy working families who wanted good grub but did not have the time to cook.

It’s safe to say her idea proved very popular, so much so that she decided to move to a bigger location in The Square in 2007.

When did Jack take over?

“I took over the business in 2010 and over the years the business has transformed into a busy café, as well as keeping the homemade takeaway food that has always been at the heart of the Granary,” he says.

The Square has changed a lot over the course of 16 years, and I think it has really never looked better than it does today.

“The types of businesses in The Square have never been so diverse, from yoga to pottery, boutiques, barbers; there really is something for everyone.”

Susan Herlihy, pottery tutor and proprietor of a gift gallery, agrees.

“There is something on The Square for everyone,” she says. “I am a potter, pottery tutor and proprietor of a gift gallery. I have been running my creative business on The Square now for seven years, but running a business in Midleton for nearly 18 years. Moving my enterprise to The Square was one of those meant-to-be moments,” says Susan.

“It gave me the opportunity to develop the retail side of my pottery business in a beautiful, light-filled shop, in a square surrounded by other committed business owners who care about their service, their customers and who are willing to go above and beyond.

“As business owners, we are all on the same page. It creates a harmonious atmosphere in The Square and that transcends to our customers.

“I love what I do,” adds Susan. “I feel very fortunate to have all the work I have, but being surrounded by business friends and supported by amazing customers is what keeps me where I am.

“I am also fortunate to have my mother, Sheila Hennessy, part of the operation, for the gift-gallery and book-keeping, as well as being a sounding board for all aspects of the business.”

Like, Susan, Eileen Ryall, of Tree of Life Yoga & Wellbeing, has also found her ideal location.

“I’ve had many different locations down through the years and I wanted to bring all my classes together to one central place in Midleton,” says Eileen, who has been on The Square for 14 years.

“I was very fortunate to find the perfect space here. The location and space are ideal as we have car parking at the back and shops to browse. Everyone loves the yoga space we created and lots of the classes enjoy going for coffee afterwards here” says Eileen.

In The Square, it’s a case of ‘one for all and all for one’.

We have a nice friendly community, and we all support each other.

Eileen adds: “I feel blessed to have the yoga studio here.”

Catherine McIlvenna, of Scarlett Boutique, feels at home on The Square too.

“I am 18 years here and I know most of my customers on a first-name basis,” says Catherine, whose background is in sales training.

“I have a great team working here with me and we have dressed several families of three generations,” says Catherine. “We also welcome people coming from other counties to buy that special outfit for that special occasion. Growing up with a mother who love style gave me inspiration,” says Catherine.

“I love what I do, and I look forward to opening the doors of Scarlett Boutique every morning - I look forward to the sound of the shop bell sounding as my first customer comes through the doors. I am always up for a chat!”

Catherine likes her neighbours.

“It is a joy to see all the units in The Square occupied,” says Catherine.

“There is a lovely atmosphere and a great buzz about.”

It is hip to be on The Square in Midleton, where local businesses support each other and give a warm welcome to visitors.