Tullamore’s Bridge Centre set to celebrate its 30th anniversary

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Gay Byrne at the official opening of the Bridge Shopping Centre on September 12, 1995.

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The late Christy Maye pictured outside The Bridge Shopping Centre as construction works neared completion in 1995. Photo: The Bridge Shopping Centre on Facebook.

Published: Fri 5 Sep 2025, 5:19 PM

The Bridge Shopping Centre in Tullamore celebrates a major milestone next week as it marks 30 years since its official opening by the late Gay Byrne on September 12, 1995.

To mark the anniversary, the centre is inviting the public to get involved and share their photos, videos, stories and memories and milestones from past to present.

Since opening, the Bridge Centre has welcomed more than 90 million visitors, supported over 10,750 jobs across 30 years, and has seen more than €10 million raised for charities. Today, it is home to 30 shops and businesses, supporting over 450 jobs.

The celebrations will take place from Friday to Sunday next, September 12-14, with highlights including the unveiling of a plaque in honour of Bridge Centre founder, the late Christy Maye, on the Friday at 3pm.

There will also be special offers and discounts from participating businesses, live music performances by Simon Casey, local brass bands and Comhaltas groups, a range of family activities such as colouring competitions, treasure hunts and children’s entertainment, as well as a tree-planting ceremony and a reception with long-serving staff, dignitaries and the community.

Speaking ahead of the milestone anniversary, centre manager John Cusack said the Bridge Centre has always been more than a shopping destination; "It's a place where memories are made.

"From first dates and first jobs to queuing overnight for concert tickets, hosting charity fundraisers, live music and Santa’s grotto, the Bridge Centre has been at the heart of community life in Tullamore for three decades. We’d love people to share those stories with us and be part of this celebration," Mr Cusack said.

The Bridge Centre was the vision of Christy Maye, who created a landmark development that transformed shopping in the Midlands. Built on strong foundations, the Centre continues to thrive and evolve while honouring Christy’s legacy.

Shoppers are encouraged to share their memories in a number of ways, by sending photos, videos and voice notes via email to manager@bridgecentre.ie or by dropping copies of photographs, press cuttings or personal stories directly to the Centre into a dedicated post box set up at the mill wheel.