Ben Dunne, Snr.

Bernard 'Ben' Dunne (19 May 1908 – 14 April 1983) was an Irish businessman who was the founder and chairman of Dunnes Stores.

For the later director of Dunnes Stores, see Ben Dunne (entrepreneur).

Early life

Dunne was born in the village of Rostrevor in County Down, Ireland, the eldest son of Margaret (née Byrne) and Barney Dunne, a businessman.

He worked as a butcher and picked berries as a young boy.

Career

In 1926, after aborting a plan to emigrate to the United States, Dunne moved to Drogheda in the newly established Irish Free State and then worked as an apprentice in Cameron's Drapery store in Longford. In the mid 1930s he moved on to Cork where he worked as a buyer for Roches Stores. A bust-up in 1944 led to his leaving and setting up his own business Dunnes Stores.[1]

Personal life and Death

Dunne met his wife, Nora Maloney, while working at Roches Stores. They were married for 44 years and had six children, including Ben Dunne who went on to work in the family business.

He died at the age of 74 on 14 April 1983 at his home.

References
  1. "Dunne and dusted: Tough Irish retail king Ben Dunne survived kidnap by the IRA, battles with rivals, unions and government". The Independent. 13 December 1992. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
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