Colman Doyle was a prominent businessman who transformed his family’s shop into one of Wexford Town’s most successful home furnishing businesses. He became known as “the complete home furnisher” for Wexford and was described as “a true son of South Main Street.”
The family business was founded in 1917 by his father, Stephen Doyle, and sold everything from beds and furniture to wallpaper and household goods.
Educated at CBS Wexford, Colman began his career with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Irish Sea Fisheries Board. However, his true passion lay in retail, and he later undertook training with the Lenehans hardware store on Capel Street in Dublin.
Business
When Colman took over the family business in 1968, he grew the existing hardware operation and added several retail outlets on South Main Street, including a décor centre, hardware store, pet shop, furniture store, and the Gibsons of Wexford lighting shop.
He also owned a yard in St. Peter’s Square and a warehouse on Peter Street.
In April 1988, 13th-century pottery, leather, and stone artefacts were discovered at a site that he owned on Bride Street. He voluntarily handed the site over for a professional archaeological excavation, which began in mid-April. The area was described as one of the oldest parts of Wexford. Archaeologist Edward Bourke, who led the project, said the excavation would not have been possible without Colman’s co-operation. He described the site as having “tremendous potential” to shed light on “Viking Wexford.”
Colman also took an interest in the commercial development of Wexford’s south end and supported efforts to encourage growth in the area. During the 1990s, he served as chairman of the South End Traders’ Association. In July 2000, he was appointed team leader for the Chamber of Commerce’s “Heart Is Wexford” street league initiative, which ranked different areas of the town centre throughout the year in an effort to encourage improvements in litter control.
Colman purchased the old Capital Cinema at the end of South Main Street and spent several years renovating it. Around August 2005, he moved his furniture store from the end of Bride Street into the former cinema, creating a consolidated superstore that became his pride and joy. A €500,000 stock relocation sale was held in advance of the move. The pet shop and hardware shop remained at their existing locations.
A familiar figure on South Main Street, Colman often stopped to speak with passersby. Business was never far from his thoughts. Making a proposition or suggesting a new idea seemed as natural to him as saying hello. He held strong opinions and was always ready to discuss a wide range of topics, from world affairs to local issues. His remarks were often delivered with dry, understated humour, leaving people unsure whether he was serious or joking.
He loved sailing, antiques, old cars, and cycling, and was once a member of the Fife and Drum Band. Colman said he did not have a passport, a television, or a decent car, and got his news exclusively from BBC Radio 4.
Death
Requiem Mass was celebrated at Bride Street Church by Fr. Paddy Cushen, who described him as one of Wexford Town’s characters and a kind, generous and loyal man. In a humorous eulogy, Victor Bridges recalled the banter surrounding Colman’s jumper, joking: “Colman actually had seven of the same jumpers, one for each day of the week.”
Seamus Cullimore described him as “a champion of South Main Street,” noting that this was at a time when developments were taking place elsewhere in the town, and “a good businessman and good neighbour to everyone for 40 years.”
Colman was interred in Barntown Cemetery, where his parents were buried.
After his death, the family business passed to his sister Colette Doyle. She said she would be happy to honour his request to see the business carry on and celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2017. She marked the centenary milestone with an in-store party attended by celebrity interior designer Neville Knott.
Colette died on 27 January 2020. She and her brother had no children, and the absence of a will created what was described as an “incredibly complicated” legal situation. The immediate closure of the four businesses on South Main Street resulted in the permanent redundancy of 22 staff members.
Probate
The closures left a significant void on South Main Street, an area that was in need of regeneration.
Solicitors embarked on a lengthy probate process to establish an heir. Meanwhile, the shops remained untouched for years.
In February 2023, it was confirmed that the buildings remained in probate.
On 22 September 2023, five lots of Colman Doyle properties were sold at auction. The sale was carried out on behalf of the administrators of the estate.
Individual guide prices ranged from €75,000 to €675,000. Colman’s “pride and joy” achieved the highest price, selling for €2.25 million. The superstore was acquired by national retail chain Guineys, which opened on 8 October 2025.