The late Donal Sammon’s photographic selection to be exhibited in Tipperary

To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth, the Sammon family in Thurles in association with The Source Library, is presenting an exhibition of photographs taken by the late Donal Sammon, Liberty Square, Thurles.

The exhibition launch will take place Tuesday, February 6 at 7pm, and the exhibition will continue fo r the month of February, where up to 150 photographs taken by Donal will be displayed during normal library opening hours.

CAPTION: Donal Sammon

Having started school in Behamore, Donal at the age of eight moved to live with his aunt Ellie Corcoran in Mathew Avenue in Thurles and continued his education in Thurles CBS.

He was a distinguished hurler in his younger days and was selected on the Tipperary Minor Hurling Team in 1940, 1941 and 1942.

He played at varying levels with Thurles Sarsfields, and all through his life he remained an ardent supporter of the club. On finishing his Leaving Certificate he began his pharmaceutical apprenticeship in PJ Hickeys in Liberty Square and then went to Trinity College where he studied and qualified in pharmacy.

He worked in Dublin initially but returned to Thurles and worked in Hickey’s Pharmacy and Tobin’s Pharmacy in Liberty Square.

At this stage both his parents were deceased, but he continued to live with his Aunt Ellie in Matthew Avenue.

In the mid 1950s he met and fell in love with Jenny Power, who worked in Bank Of Ireland in Liberty Square and who was originally from Kilfinane county Limerick.

They married on September 10, 1957 and subsequently had five children -Gerard, Breda, Donal, Therese and Carmel.

After they married they continued to live in Matthew Avenue until 1962, when Donal purchased Devlin’s Medical Hall in Liberty Square for the princely sum of £7,000, including stock. His first day takings were £45.

The pharmacy contained a treasure of old artifacts, including cameras, and Donal developed a keen interest in photography.

A very accomplished golfer, Donal held the position of Honorary Treasurer for many years, he was Captain of Thurles Golf Club in 1973.

He continued to run the pharmacy until 2004, when he handed the reins over to his daughter Carmel, who continues the tradition to this day.

CAPTION: Sammon exhibition O'Meara shop Liberty Square

This personal archive gathers images of Liberty Square, Friar Street, Slievenamon Road, Ladyswell, Thurles Golf Club and Semple Stadium.

Also on display are unique items relating to Donal’s pharmacy located in the landmark building, Devlin’s Medical Hall on Liberty Square.