Tomás Nally of Rochforts Superstore (second right) with instrument makers Fionan Lejeune and baby Ronan; Frank McNamara, from Killester, Dublin; and Martin Quinn, from Mornington, County Meath.

Music specialists in pop-up shop at Rochforts Superstore

Published: Fri 11 Aug 2023, 8:23 PM

Last updated: Fri 11 Aug 2023, 8:28 PM

Speaking on Thursday of fleadh week, Tomás Nally of Rochforts on Dominick Street said that they had done as much business on the first Sunday this year as they had on the second Sunday last year.

He was pleased that Fleadh 2023 was going so well, and at the time of talking still had the big weekend ahead. “We had to call in extra staff, Monday we had five extra, on top of what we already had. It’s just been amazing, absolutely flat-out. We open at half 6, and from 9 o’clock in the morning till 11 at night we’re run off our feet.

“I’ve had to restock three times; it’s phenomenal. Everybody’s amazed and delighted.”

At least part of the attraction at the music section of Rochforts is the visit of instrument specialists, people who are renowned experts in their world.

They are Lejeune Flutes from Brugge, Belgium Frank McNamara, banjo repairs, from Killester, Dublin, and Martin Quinn, Quinn Accordions, from Mornington, County Meath.

They reported brisk trade from an enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowd in Mullingar for the fleadh.

Fiona said: “We come to Ireland often, 90 per cent of our business would be here because it fits in well with the trad music scene.”

Martin quipped: “We’re here with Tom at the back of the shop with the other instrument makers, it’s a bit of craic, we’re playing plenty of music and telling tall tales as well!”