Cork record shop Bunker Vinyl closes after ten years

John Dwyer has had to close one of Cork’s last independent record shops partly for financial reasons and partly on doctor’s orders

John Dwyer outside his independent record store, Bunker Vinyl, which has now closed. File picture: Chani Anderson

In sad news for Cork music fans, the closure has been announced of Bunker Vinyl, one of the city’s last independent record stores.

The shop, in the basement below Ozalid House on Camden Quay, opened a decade ago, and had been a haven for discerning music fans, with the steps down to the premises decorated with murals of Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie.

In a post on social media, the shop's founder, John Dwyer, said he had made the decision to close in part for financial reasons and in part on doctor’s orders.

“The last two years have been financially difficult, and I’ve been ploughing on regardless,” he wrote.

“It’s been stressful and relentlessly so.” 

Mr Dwyer cited several setbacks, among them flooding damage which cost him thousands of euro and wrecked equipment, and footpath works which led to weeks of disturbed trading.

“The Bunker war chest was empty and never recovered," he said.

“It takes its toll. I’m worn down and now it’s affected my health.

“I’m now under doctor’s orders to rest for a longer period of time [than] I’ve ever stood still in my life ...ever.” 

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Damian Boylan, said he was saddened to hear of the closure.

“It’s a huge loss. My daughter was a big fan, and my most recent Christmas present from her came from there,” he said.

“My heart goes out to John. He provided a great space for the young and not-so-young to congregate and enjoy their passion for music.” 

In a previous career, Mr Dwyer had spent several years as a social worker for children with profound disabilities and addiction issues for Ealing Council in London.

In a post on social media, John Dwyer said flood damage and road works had affected business, leading to the closure of Bunker Vinyl: 'It takes its toll. I’m worn down and now it’s affected my health.' File picture: Larry Cummins

“I’m originally from Dungarvan, but I always said that if I were to come back to Ireland, I would move to Cork,” he told the Irish Examiner last year. “I just love it here.” 

He started with a market stall at the Mother Jones Market, before founding Bunker Vinyl on April 1, 2016.

On Sunday, Mr Dwyer offered a glimmer of hope to fans of Bunker Vinyl.

“The future is unknown for me, but the last 10 years in the Bunker has been something I’ll cherish all my life.

“So many happy memories will be taken with me. You the good people of Cork and beyond were so loyal to the Bunker and I’ll never forget that,” he said.

“As it was said, if you build it, they will come. Well, I may build again one day.”