Tributes paid to 'driving force' of Cork business following closure of Nash 19

THE closure of one of the city’s most iconic eateries has left shockwaves rippling through Cork’s business community.

Nash 19, on Princes St, is the latest Cork business to have announced its closure in recent days.

President of the Cork Business Association, Kevin Herlihy, who also runs several Centra stores in Cork, described the development as a “devastating blow”.

“The cost of doing business in Cork city has gone through the roof, especially when you consider energy costs,” he said.

“The Government needs to start listening to us. Minimum wage has gone from €11.30 to €12.70, and we’ve had to embrace that, but the Government is throwing everything at small- to medium-sized businesses. Changes are going to have to be made and potentially more support given to businesses to enable them to survive.”

The news follows several similar announcements this month.

Cork city’s oldest barbershop, The Baldy Barber, announced its closure after 87 years in business and Twilight News has closed at three locations in the city after 12 years. Pigalle on Barrack St announced its closure on the same day as Tung Sing, one of the city’s first Chinese restaurants, which had been in business for 60 years.

Mr Herlihy said he felt very hurt for Nash 19 proprietor Claire Nash who he said has been a great ambassador for Cork.

“We are shocked and absolutely saddened to hear of the closure of Nash 19,” he said.

“Claire Nash has been a driving force in business and the city for 33 years and will be sorely missed. I am personally very hurt for her that this has happened, but unfortunately this is part of trying to do business in Ireland at this stage. She has been a stalworth in the Cork Business Association for the last 35 years, and we are heartbroken and devastated that she has to close.

“I hope that she will bounce back with something else in the future because she is a great ambassador and such an asset to Cork.”

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Ms Nash said she was devastated to have to pull the plug on her business.

“I just can’t believe that it has come to this,” she said. “It is difficult to blame anyone or anything in particular, but the cost of doing business is unmeasurable, it is out of control, and it has led me to the end of the road.”

Mr Herlihy spoke of the positive impact Claire Nash had on Cork city.

“We can see the impact she had through the wonderful events she organised such as Cork’s Long Table event. Claire brings so much to Cork city.”

He said he hoped that other businesses will be able to survive the tumultuous period.

“It can be really difficult to see so many businesses closing down,” he said.

“However, it’s not all doom and gloom, and there is hope. For every business that closes, there are still places opening.”

Tributes paid to Claire Nash

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork, said he was also “very sad” to hear that Nash 19 had closed, and paid tribute to Claire Nash as a “fantastic retail small-medium enterprise developer”.

#GotCork V saddened to see Nash 19 close; City Council perspective remains that SMEs need greater protection from continuing rising costs at national level; there are many cost reduction levers that only central government can move; many thanks Nash 19 for everything #weareCork https://t.co/ExqKMDuhFj

— Cllr Kieran McCarthy (@cllrkmac) January 12, 2024

"She was certainly one of the key people on the street with others who turned around Princes St over the last few years, and not just her own premises but the street itself during covid to make it an ‘eat on the street’ experience,” said Cllr McCarthy.

The Lord Mayor said that sections of the Cork economy were doing well, but acknowledged that other sections were struggling.

“Reading the press releases of the three businesses that closed in the last week and a half, they mentioned energy and wages in their statements, so that’s something that has to be looked at,” he said, adding that it was a matter for the Government.

He said that a general majority in the city council was in favour of the minimum wage being as close as possible to a living wage because the cost of living was affecting everyone.

“The general sentiment in the council is that the Cork economy is doing well — before Christmas you could barely move on some of our streets, the businesses were very well supported in town, people were coming out the doors in restaurants and shops,” he said, adding that the opening of the Arc Cinema on North Main St in December indicated a high level of confidence in the local economy by investors.

'An institution'

Enterprise Minister and Cork TD Simon Coveney described the development as “very sad news”.

Very sad news. Nash 19 has been an institution in Cork for many years.
I spoke with Claire this morning to discuss the factors leading to this difficult decision.
https://t.co/CiuavRe0nn

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) January 12, 2024

In a post on X, he wrote: “Nash 19 has been an institution in Cork for many years. I spoke with Claire this morning to discuss the factors leading to this difficult decision.”

Restaurant Association of Ireland chief executive Adrian Cummins also took to social media to highlight his concern over the closure.

“If a long-standing business like this is closing, what hope for the rest of the sector,” he wrote on X. “Government needs to take immediate action.”

Shocked and saddened by the news @Nash19Cork , a Cork institution is closing.

Huge supporter of local food producers.

If a long standing business like this is closing, what hope for the rest of the sector.

Government needs to take immediate action https://t.co/0o13H7d14Z https://t.co/WzcoRitqIf

— Adrian Cummins 🇮🇪🇪🇺🇵🇸 (@adriancummins) January 12, 2024

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South-Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the latest closures raise serious questions regarding the hospitality sector across the State, and in Cork specifically.

“I am very disappointed at the news of the closure of Nash 19,” he said.

“My first thoughts are with the staff and their families, this will be an enormous blow to them. I hope that all involved are now supported by the relevant authorities and receive their full entitlements. My office can be contacted by any member of staff who needs assistance.

“Nash 19 was a very well-established brand. I know Claire Nash and her team worked extremely hard to ensure a high-quality experience, and it was very well-regarded.

“This comes hot on the heels of the closure of Tung Sing in the city centre, another iconic city-centre restaurant in the city for decades. These are huge losses to the city, and it raises serious questions regarding the hospitality sector across the State and in Cork specifically as well.”

Calls for Government intervention 

Labour Party councillor John Maher has called on the Government to intervene and accept that small- and medium-sized businesses are suffering and closing.

“It’s 12 days into 2024, and we have seen several shops, cafes, and restaurants close,” said Mr Maher.

“Our city centre has been particularly hit, with the closure of Twilight [newsagents], Tung Sing, and now Nash 19.

“Government ministers must liaise with business owners and other stakeholders and offer incentives to help businesses survive during this difficult time.

“I have asked that Cork City Council introduce reduced parking fees for people who use the city during the morning times and for enforcement of bus lanes and private car ban to increase and allow public transport work more efficiently.

“The Government must wake up and smell the coffee and help businesses that are crying out for help.”

The Cork Business Association (CBA) has also called for some form of Government intervention in response to the escalating challenges that are being faced by small businesses.

Dave O’Brien, finance spokesperson for CBA and tax partner with Quintas, said that the CBA is dedicated to working closely with political representatives to develop strategies and policies aimed at safeguarding the interests of small businesses, and that the CBA remains resolute in its commitment to supporting the small business community during these challenging times.

“By fostering open communication with Government officials and advocating for practical solutions, the CBA will ensure that our community’s voice is heard, and drive to mitigate the adverse effects of economic hardships on Cork businesses,” he said.