Busy weekend of festivities to mark 30th anniversary

The Bridge Shopping Centre in Tullamore has unveiled its full 30th-anniversary schedule, running from Friday to Sunday. Since opening on 12th September 1995, this £12 million development (equivalent to €45m today) spanning 120,000 sq ft and anchored by Dunnes Stores and the IMC Cinema—has played a major role in Tullamore’s social and economic life. From the outset, it included 20 ground-floor units with a further eight upstairs, offices, cinema, a 350-space car park and a central atrium that floods the centre with daylight. The relocation of the town’s post office to the Bridge Centre in 1996 brought a vital public service into the heart of the centre, increasing daily footfall and reinforcing its role as a meeting point for the community.

Over 30 years, the centre has welcomed 90 million visitors, supported 10,750 jobs (including builders), and seen over €10 million raised for charities.

Anniversary highlights include the unveiling of a plaque honouring founder Christy May on Friday at 3pm by the Maye family. There will also be live music, featuring Simon Casey, local brass band and Comhaltas from 12pm on Friday.

An exhibition, showcasing photos and stories collected from the public, will also be in place.

Family fun events planned include treasure hunts, colouring competitions, and giveaways. Special promotions across centre businesses throughout the weekend.

There will also be a tree planting ceremony on Friday, followed by a reception at Jenny’s Kitchen.

Archive screenings in IMC Cinema offer a window into the centre’s past.

Standout memories include the centre going smoke-free in 1997, placing it ahead of national legislation seven years later in 2004. The centre played a pivotal role in launching the career of local singer Simon Casey, a runner up on RTÉs ‘You’re A Star’ in 2003 in a time before text voting when contestants needed the support of their local community voting by landline.

The Bridge Centre is where memories are made, and none of it would have been possible without the vision of Christy Maye. This weekend is both a celebration of those moments and of his enduring legacy, while also looking with confidence to the future,” - John Cusack, Centre Manager.

Deputy Tony McCormack, who moved his first business to the centre, added:

“Moving my retail business to the Bridge Shopping Centre was a defining moment for me personally and professionally. Christy Maye’s vision gave me, and so many others, the platform to start out, create jobs, and serve the people of Tullamore.

“Thirty years on, it continues to sustain our town centre, support local enterprise, and provide a place where community life thrives.”

With more than €10 million raised for good causes and countless memories made, the centre has played a unique role in sustaining both the town centre economy and the spirit of the community.

As part of the anniversary, the Bridge Centre is inviting shoppers past and present to contribute to its exhibition by sharing photos, stories and memorabilia from the past 30 years. A dedicated WhatsApp number 085 131 1551 has been set up for people to send in pictures, videos and voice notes, while items can also be dropped into the centre or emailed to manager@bridegcentre.ie These contributions will feature in the displays across the anniversary weekend, ensuring the celebrations capture the memories and milestones that make the Bridge Centre such a special part of Tullamore life.