Midleton Local History Collection: Home

The collection contains documents related to two prominent businesses in Midleton, Co. Cork - the Ronayne family (Wine and Spirit Merchants), and J. S. & R. Coppinger (General Merchants). These are 

1. An account book and enclosures which relate to the business and family of Maurice and Anne Ronayne, (Wine and Spirit Merchants), 44, Main Street, Midleton.  

2. An account book (1906-10) for J.S.& R. Coppinger, Midleton, who were Agents for Beamish and Crawford Brewery, Cork and their porter provision account with their customer, Bridget Donovan, 7, Charles Street Midleton.

Biographical Histories: 

Ronayne Family, Midleton, Co. Cork

Maurice Ronayne (1834-1895) opened his business in Midleton on 29 March 1862.  The business developed over the ensuing years and by the 1870’s his advertisements for wine and spirits were very visible in the Irish Examiner listing rare wines and spirits.  In August 1870 he married Anne Mary Punch who worked with Maurice in the business.  Maurice became ill and died in 1895.  The family business continued to be managed by his wife Anne and son Philip Ronayne.   

Anne Ronayne (1837-1922) was born Anne Punch daughter of Philip Punch, formerly of Laharran, Co. Cork (Tracton, Co. Cork). Anne worked in the family business and managed the business with her son Philip and their staff after the death of her husband. In the census for both 1901 and 1911, her occupation is listed as Grocer and Wine Merchant.   

Jerome Philip Stanislaus Ronayne (1874-1944) second son of Maurice and Anne Ronayne and became Grocer and Wine Merchant on the death of his father and assisted his mother in the wine and spirit business. In 1913, he married Margaret Walsh, daughter of John Walsh, Catherine Street, Waterford. He died in 1944. 

Thomas S. and R. Coppinger, Midleton 

Thomas S. and R. Coppinger was the business name of the Midleton merchant family of Coppinger. They were well established general merchants, though they were often listed in trade directories as corn, flour and seed merchants.  In the eighteenth century, they, they had a brewery and possibly a distillery. Thomas S. & R. Coppinger were a local agent for the well-known Cork city Brewery of Beamish and Crawford. Thomas S. Coppinger (1844-1922) of the Midleton family, was an elected member and Chair of the Town Commissioners in Midleton and Director of Midleton Gas Company.  He was known and respected for his interest and service to the people of Midleton.  

Bridget Donovan, Charles Street, Midleton 

Bridget Donovan, daughter of Mary Donovan is recorded in the Census of Ireland 1901, as daughter of Mary Donovan, Licensed Publican 7, Charles Street, Midleton. Bridget, as her daughter is recorded “Work” column as an assistant to her mother as licensed Publican.   Mary is recorded in Guy’s Cork Almanac in 1893 as Vintner in Charles St., Midleton. Bridget is recorded in Guy’s Almanac in 1896 and 1906 as a vintner in Charles Street.