The Lighthouse Shop: Youghal's Seaside Memories

The legacy of Pop Donovan's Shop by the Youghal Lighthouse, as told by Eilish, Tom Donovan's Daughter, and her friend Kay Donnelly.
In the seaside town of Youghal, nestled beside the iconic lighthouse, memories of Pop Donovan's shop linger like the gentle sea breeze. For Kay Donnelly and Eilish Donovan, childhood friends whose roots run deep in this coastal community, the mere mention of the shop opens a floodgate of nostalgia, transporting them to a bygone era when life seemed simpler and the world was painted in vibrant hues.
The story begins in 1949 when Eilish's father, Tom Donovan, an industrious civil engineer, undertook the ambitious task of constructing a small shop perched on the cliff face. The architectural marvel stood on sturdy steel girders, giving it an almost ethereal quality as if it were floating on air. Tom Donovan's vision extended beyond a mere shop; he envisioned a space that would become an integral part of the community's fabric.
As time passed by, Tom Donovan added extensions to the shop, transforming it into more than just a convenience store. Flats were integrated to accommodate locals, creating a sense of community within the confines of the charming structure. The unheard-of petrol pumps that adorned the front of the shop further solidified its status as a hub for the townsfolk.
For Kay and Eilish, the memories are vivid, like a reel of cherished moments captured in time. The sandy beach of the front strand, or the “49 steps” just steps away from the shop, provided the backdrop for carefree strolls and laughter. Pop Donovan's shop was a treasure trove for youngsters eager to embark on sandy adventures, offering colourful buckets and spades that would become essential tools in the creation of countless sandcastles.
The shop, a modest yet vibrant emporium, catered to the whims of the locals and tourists alike. Orange drinks and ice cream pops beckoned on warm summer days, providing sweet relief from the sun's rays.
In a poignant reflection on a bygone era, Kay and Eilish collaborated on a short film that serves as a tribute to the cherished memories encapsulated within the walls of Pop Donovan's shop. The film captures their animated recollections, weaving a narrative that transcends time. As they share anecdotes and laughter, the vibrant colors of the shop and the joy it once brought to the community come alive on screen.
Regrettably, the passage of time has cast its shadow, and Pop Donovan's shop, with all its colour and nostalgia, is no more. The once-bustling hub has yielded to the march of progress, leaving behind only the echoes of laughter and the footprints of those who once wandered in to buy something on their way to the front strand. Yet, through the heartfelt recollections of Kay and Eilish, the spirit of the shop lives on, a testament to the enduring power of shared memories and the indelible mark left by a small, floating shop by the Youghal Lighthouse.
Researched and recorded by Michael Hussey in 2016
Photographs:
The 49 steps by Maria Moynihan
The Lighthouse by Kieran McCarthy
Moll Goggins Corner by Horgan Bros
Pop Donovan's Shop from the Owens Collection courtesy of Kieran Groeger.
Archive Photos from the Mikey Roche Collection
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