Death of legendary Dunnes doyen

"The street is devastated, a legend has passed on."

The 93-year old retailer and Dunnes Stores company director, as well as right-hand man and confidante of Ben Dunne senior, Dan Barrett had just marked 70 years service with Dunnes in March, continuing to turn up every week at the company’s Cork stores.

Apart from being in at the foundation of an empire as the first-ever employee of a firm that now employs 16,000 people, Mr Barrett had been instrumental in Dunnes Stores’ 2009, multi-million euro, flagship revamp of its historic, first-ever outlet on Patrick’s Street.

Describing himself as “a genuine Cork rebel ... I never wanted to go to Dublin,” Dan Barrett was honoured at a civic reception and by the Cork Business Association for his loyalty to his city, firm and the retail trade.

“Patrick Street is where it all started for Ben Dunne Senior and for Dan Barrett. Dan had great knowledge and insight, ready to impart his wisdom to staff at all levels and in other businesses. He was a remarkable man, always supportive of Cork and the street,” said former Cork Business Association leader Donal Healy.

A second-generation retailer, Dan Barrett left a job in Roches Stores during World War 11’s rationing years, in 1944, to join with Ben Dunne snr, whom he described as “a genius”.

He is survived by his wife Pat, and children Anne, Thomas and David.