'He was the beating heart of our community'

Extensive tributes have been paid following the death of prominent businessman Christopher (Christy) Maye.

Christy Maye was best known as the former owner of the Bridge House Hotel, in Tullamore, the developer of the Bridge Centre shopping centre in Tullamore, and the owner of the Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar.

He was also a founder member of Tullamore Show and served as PRO for many years.

He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday after a short illness bravely borne under the wonderful care of the medical staff in the Hermitage Clinic, Lucan.

In a post on social media, the Bridge House Hotel, which he developed and ran, before selling in 2008, said: “Christy was more than just the proud owner of the Bridge House Hotel for decades. He was the beating heart of our community, a man whose vision and generosity shaped not only this hotel, but the town of Tullamore and the wider Midlands region.

“Through his leadership, Christy brought life, laughter and hundreds of jobs to the area — not only here at the Bridge House, but also through The Bridge Centre, Greville Arms Hotel & Danny Byrnes. His dedication went far beyond business.

“He was a founding force behind the Tullamore Show and served as a board member of Midlands 103, always championing local voices and culture.

“He was a dedicated member of the Tullamore Lions Club for nearly 50 years, and his commitment to the club and its causes were nothing short of remarkable.

"From the golden days of his iconic “disc-a-go-go” events to the present, Christy’s passion for people, music, and community spirit touched the lives of so many.

"To us, he was not just a hotelier — he was family. A guiding light, a gentleman, and a constant presence who helped build this place from the ground up into what it is today.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Ellen, Jillian, Lee-Anne, Jason, extended family & friends and everyone who had the joy of knowing him.

"His legacy will live on in every corner of the hotel he loved so dearly, and in the hearts of all of us lucky enough to have shared in his journey.

Tullamore Chamber of Commerce said it was deeply saddened to learn of his passing, describing him as “a true pillar of our community”.

“His unwavering dedication to the local economy, tireless support of small businesses, and steadfast support of the Chamber of Commerce have left an indelible mark on all of us.

“Christy, was more than a leader—he was a mentor, a visionary, and a friend to many. His efforts not only strengthened our local economy, but also brought people together, fostering a spirit of unity and progress.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come,” it said.

The Bridge Centre hailed the late Mr Maye's vision over 40 years ago to build a shopping centre in the heart of Tullamore. It said following on from the Bridge Centre opening, he would glow every time he came through the doors.

“The community was always at heart with Christy and ensured that the centre was available to whoever needed support.

“His loyalty knew no bounds and was always willing to give that new idea a chance. Time meant nothing to Christy and would always be on the other end of the phone. He was a very generous man, loved chatting around a coffee and slice of cake.

“He always made sure that local contractors were looked after, gave many local contractors their first start into the business world, he would always say source at local level first.

“We will miss Christy dearly around the Bridge Centre, buying his newspapers, tipping in and out of the various shops, seeing how they were getting on and giving them advice,” it added.

Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack described Christy Maye as “a true visionary who put Tullamore firmly on the map”.

“No matter where you went, once you mentioned Tullamore, people immediately thought of the Bridge House.

“He supported countless others in starting out — whether by employing them, mentoring them, or giving them a chance to supply goods or services to his businesses. His kindness was real, his generosity quiet but constant.

“Christy was a great supporter of the community, always stepping up for organisations like the Tullamore Show, the Lions Club, the Chamber, Rotary and many more.

“I’ll always remember our long conversations, his sound business advice, and above all, his friendship.

“Today, Tullamore, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford have lost a great man. Rest in peace, Christy.”

Christopher (Christy) Maye, Lake Lodge, Cullionmore, Mullingar, Westmeath, formerly Cloncallow, Ballymahon, Co Longford, is predeceased by his parents John and Mary, his sister Eithne and his brother Liam.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, his wife Ellen, his son Jason, his daughters Jillian (Cleary) and Lee-Anne and son in law David Cleary, his adored grandchildren, Anna and James, Holly and Heidi, his brother Johnny, sisters Kathleen (Hoare), Mary (Freak) (Australia), Carmel (Cashel) and Madeline (O’Scolai) (Canada), sisters in law and brothers in law, the Norris family (Curragh, Rosemount), his nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours his many friends, staff members from the Greville Arms Hotel, Danny Byrnes, The Bridge Centre and the farm.

May Christy's kind and gentle soul rest forever in eternal peace.

Reposing at his daughter Jillian’s residence, Dunboden, Kilbride N91 HK28 (There will be a one way traffic management system in operation please travel via the Rochfortbridge Road R400) on Monday, June 2, from 3pm-7pm. House private at all other times please. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 12 noon in the Church of the Immaculate Conception Forgney (N91 AE 35) followed by burial in adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only, donations if desired to Hooves for Hospice, c/o Tullamore Lions Club.