The following article was published in September 2003 by the Connemara Advertiser to
celebrate the Walsh's Bakery's 50th anniversary.
Walsh’s Bakery on Market Street in Clifden, Co. Galway is celebrating 50 years in business. Starte
d by Tom Walsh, originally from Headford, Co. Galway, in 1953, it is now owned and operated by his son, Cathal and wife, Joan.
The first twenty years focused primarily on bread production and delivery. Expansion into confectionery began in 1973, with the first line including Irish classics such as apple tarts, pastries, craft breads and cakes sold from their Cake Shop on Market Street and through the delivery vans. The Bread Wars of the late 1980’s, which devastated bread bakeries nationwide, caused Walsh’s Bakery to switch the major focus to confectionery creation. The success of the Cake Shop resulted in a move to larger premises and another expansion to include a restaurant. Walsh’s Bakery and Coffee Shop opened on July 10th, 1995 in its current premises on Market Street overlooking Clifden Bay. Tom was assisted every step of the way by his wife, Una, and his five daughters and two sons. Currently, the most active family members are Cathal who oversees all operations; his wife, Joan, who manages the Cake and Coffee Shops; and Cathal’s sister, Una, who develops the yummy range of gourmet gateaux and pastries. On Saturday, September 13th, the official two week 50th Anniversary Celebration will be kicked off with entertainment, prize promotions and a remote broadcast by Connemara Community Radio from at 11 am – 12:30 pm. Individuals associated with Walsh’s Bakery over the previous 50 years will share their historical perspectives on the changes both at Walsh’s and in Clifden as a whole.
above-right: Cathal (back-row, centre), Joan (left) and staff celebrate Walsh's 50th Anniversary in 2003