David P. Tyndall
Encyclopedia
David P. Tyndall was a leading Irish
businessman in the 20th century, and played the major role in helping modernize the wholesale
and retail grocery trade, consolidate it, and enable the family grocery shop
owner adapt to the advent of supermarket
s.
, a saddlery and forge owner, he was also descended from an O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, through a great-grandmother from Glenties
, County Donegal
. A native of Chapelizod
, he left school at the age of 14 to work and in due time become a leading entrepreneur. He married Sarah Gaynor (January 1, 1892 – August 19, 1978) from Inchicore
in Dublin, in 1914, and had six children, William, David, Jr. ("Dave")
, Annie, Mona
, John, and Stephanie. They settled in Glasnevin
.
William and Dave joined their father's business when they reached the age of 16. Annie died in 1934, a young woman. Mona joined the Holy Rosary Sisters and became a medical doctor and missionary in Africa. John became a leading Dublin psychiatrist. Stephanie married an Army officer, Patrick Denis O'Donnell
.
In the years that followed, other companies were taken over, and the business diversified and expanded, in tandem with technological innovations, commercial initiatives, and marketing prowess. Modern business methods were developed, such as “cash and carry
” wholesaling in 1964, and incentive schemes for workers were introduced. Upon his retirement he had achieved the premier position in Ireland for his influence on the wholesale and retail grocery sector, with the largest network in the country.
, Liam Cosgrave
, and Jack Lynch
supported business initiatives by David P. Tyndall and his sons.
In 1963, he introduced the Dutch-based supermarket chain, SPAR
, into Ireland, enabling the traditional small family-owned grocers to join forces and adjust to the competition from major supermarket chains, whilst retaining the benefits of friendly scale, and local flavour. One of his biggest successes was to keep prices low for the consumer while expanding his business interests, and modernising retail quality.
(Prime Minister), Liam Cosgrave
, and many other leaders of the political, business, and community sectors attended David P. Tyndall’s funeral in 1970. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery
.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
businessman in the 20th century, and played the major role in helping modernize the wholesale
Wholesale
Wholesaling, jobbing, or distributing is defined as the sale of goods or merchandise to retailers, to industrial, commercial, institutional, or other professional business users, or to other wholesalers and related subordinated services...
and retail grocery trade, consolidate it, and enable the family grocery shop
Grocery store
A grocery store is a store that retails food. A grocer, the owner of a grocery store, stocks different kinds of foods from assorted places and cultures, and sells these "groceries" to customers. Large grocery stores that stock products other than food, such as clothing or household items, are...
owner adapt to the advent of supermarket
Supermarket
A supermarket, a form of grocery store, is a self-service store offering a wide variety of food and household merchandise, organized into departments...
s.
Family background
The grandson of John Tyndall from Newcastle, County DublinCounty Dublin
County Dublin is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Dublin Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the city of Dublin which is the capital of Ireland. County Dublin was one of the first of the parts of Ireland to be shired by King John of England following the...
, a saddlery and forge owner, he was also descended from an O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, through a great-grandmother from Glenties
Glenties
Glenties is a village in the northwest of Ireland in central County Donegal. It is situated where two glens meet, northwest of the Blue Stack Mountains, near the confluence of two rivers. Glenties is the largest centre of population in the parish of Iniskeel...
, County Donegal
County Donegal
County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
. A native of Chapelizod
Chapelizod
Chapelizod is a picturesque Irish village preserved within the city of Dublin, Ireland. It lies in the verdant wooded valley of the River Liffey, on the way to the slopes of the Strawberry Beds, below the Phoenix Park. The village is associated with Iseult of Ireland and the location of Iseault's...
, he left school at the age of 14 to work and in due time become a leading entrepreneur. He married Sarah Gaynor (January 1, 1892 – August 19, 1978) from Inchicore
Inchicore
-Location and access:Located five kilometres due west of the city centre, Inchicore lies south of the River Liffey, west of Kilmainham, north of Drimnagh and east of Ballyfermot. The majority of Inchicore is in the Dublin 8 postal district...
in Dublin, in 1914, and had six children, William, David, Jr. ("Dave")
Dave P. Tyndall, Jr.
Dave P. Tyndall Jr., , whose full name was David Patrick Tyndall, Jr., was a leading Irish businessman in the 20th century, who started out in a family business with his eponymous father and eldest brother William, and played an important role in helping modernize the wholesale and retail grocery...
, Annie, Mona
Mona Tyndall
Sister Dr. Mona Tyndall was a medical doctor and Roman Catholic missionary in Nigeria and Zambia. She was one of the six children of businessman David P. Tyndall and his wife, Sarah Gaynor Tyndall....
, John, and Stephanie. They settled in Glasnevin
Glasnevin
Glasnevin is a largely residential neighbourhood of Dublin, Ireland.-Geography:A mainly residential neighbourhood, it is located on the Northside of the city of Dublin . It was originally established on the northern bank of the River Tolka...
.
William and Dave joined their father's business when they reached the age of 16. Annie died in 1934, a young woman. Mona joined the Holy Rosary Sisters and became a medical doctor and missionary in Africa. John became a leading Dublin psychiatrist. Stephanie married an Army officer, Patrick Denis O'Donnell
Patrick Denis O'Donnell
Patrick Denis O'Donnell, , was an Irish military historian, writer, former UN peace-keeper, and retired Commandant of the Irish Defence Forces. -Background:...
.
Career in business
In 1931, David P. Tyndall decided to start his own business, having been a wholesale butter merchant for some years. With a partner, they founded Doherty, Tyndall & Co. Ltd., distributing groceries by horse and two-wheeled cart. By 1941, the firm had expanded to thirteen employees, including his two older sons, Willie and Davy. Transport switched from horse to motor. In 1943, the company became wholly owned as D. Tyndall & Sons, Ltd. Another company was founded and added in 1957, Farm Sales Ltd.In the years that followed, other companies were taken over, and the business diversified and expanded, in tandem with technological innovations, commercial initiatives, and marketing prowess. Modern business methods were developed, such as “cash and carry
Cash and carry
Cash and carry may refer to:*Cash and Carry , the first network-televised game show*Cash and carry , a revision of the Neutrality Acts, designed to aid the British...
” wholesaling in 1964, and incentive schemes for workers were introduced. Upon his retirement he had achieved the premier position in Ireland for his influence on the wholesale and retail grocery sector, with the largest network in the country.
Private sector influence
With time, he and his sons realised the benefits of consolidation in the sector, and founded a business association of retailers, RG Data (Retail Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades), which became a powerful business lobby, highly regarded by both manufacturers and Government. Politicians such as Taoisigh (Irish Prime Ministers) Éamon de ValeraÉamon de Valera
Éamon de Valera was one of the dominant political figures in twentieth century Ireland, serving as head of government of the Irish Free State and head of government and head of state of Ireland...
, Liam Cosgrave
Liam Cosgrave
Liam Cosgrave is an Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Taoiseach and as Leader of Fine Gael . He was a Teachta Dála from 1943 to 1981....
, and Jack Lynch
Jack Lynch
John Mary "Jack" Lynch was the Taoiseach of Ireland, serving two terms in office; from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979....
supported business initiatives by David P. Tyndall and his sons.
In 1963, he introduced the Dutch-based supermarket chain, SPAR
SPAR
Spar , trades from approximately 12400 stores in 34 countries worldwide and is the world's largest independent voluntary retail trading chain. Spar was founded in the Netherlands in 1932 by retailer Adriaan Van Well and now, through its affiliate organisations, operates through most European...
, into Ireland, enabling the traditional small family-owned grocers to join forces and adjust to the competition from major supermarket chains, whilst retaining the benefits of friendly scale, and local flavour. One of his biggest successes was to keep prices low for the consumer while expanding his business interests, and modernising retail quality.
Other interests
He held a life-long interest in horse-racing, and at one time owned a number of racehorses. A devout Roman Catholic, he was also a generous benefactor to the Church and various charities.Tributes
Former TaoiseachTaoiseach
The Taoiseach is the head of government or prime minister of Ireland. The Taoiseach is appointed by the President upon the nomination of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas , and must, in order to remain in office, retain the support of a majority in the Dáil.The current Taoiseach is...
(Prime Minister), Liam Cosgrave
Liam Cosgrave
Liam Cosgrave is an Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Taoiseach and as Leader of Fine Gael . He was a Teachta Dála from 1943 to 1981....
, and many other leaders of the political, business, and community sectors attended David P. Tyndall’s funeral in 1970. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery
Glasnevin Cemetery
Glasnevin Cemetery , officially known as Prospect Cemetery, is the largest non-denominational cemetery in Ireland with an estimated 1.5 million burials...
.
Companies founded
- Doherty, Tyndall & Co. Ltd.
- D. Tyndall & Sons, Ltd.
- Farm Sales, Ltd.
- Creamery packers, Ltd.
- Efficient Distribution, Ltd. (Golden Goose Stores)
- SPAR Ireland Ltd.
- Cameron Markets, Ltd.
- Park Markets, Ltd.
- Greenhills Produce, Ltd.
- Phoenix Markets, Ltd.
External links
Background references
- Tyndall manuscript genealogies: see MS. vols. F.3.23, F.3.27, F.4.18 in Trinity College Library, Dublin
- The Book of Dignities, by Joseph Hayden, 3rd edition, W.H. Allen & Co., London, 1894
- Fairbairn's Book of Crests of Families of Great Britain and Ireland, by James Fairbairn, (2 Vols.)T.C. & E.C. Jack, London, 1905
- Prerogative Wills of Ireland (1536–1810) - Index, by Sir Arthur Vicars, Dublin, 1897
- A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland, by John Burke, London, 1838
- A Guide to Irish Country Houses by Mark Bence-Jones, Constable & Co.Ltd., London, 1988 (pp. 19, 41)
- Dublin Almanacks, 1830, 1840, 1860