Son’s tribute to baker who built up a ‘great business’

A WELL-KNOWN Tyrone businessman who built up his bakery firm from humble beginnings in the kitchen of his family home to employing 84 people in purpose-built premises has died.

John Corrigan, from Glenpark Road, started Mullaghmore Home Bakery alongside his late wife, Kathleen, 40 years ago in 1981 and died on June 12 at the age of 72.

He was pre-deceased by his wife six years ago.

Staff from the firm sent messages of condolences to the Corrigan family, while workers from the Spar shops on Gortin Road and Old Mountfield Road stood in tribute to him as the funeral cortege passed ahead of Requiem Mass in St Mary’s, Killyclogher last Wednesday.

His two sons, Damian and Marty, are continuing the firm, which delivers goods throughout Ireland and has gained a reputation for the quality of its produce.

Speaking to the Herald, Damian said that they were intensely aware of maintaining the legacy left by their parents.

“We currently have 84 employees and the support and messages from so many of the workers and others over the past week have been really very much appreciated,” he said.

“This is our livelihood now and our aim is to continue to help the business thrive in memory of our parents.

“It’s something which is extremely important for us. Our parents built a great business between them and for us it will be about not only maintaining the business but also helping it to grow further in the years ahead.

“If you sit still, you are going backwards and the work of our parents over so many years was absolutely amazing.

“My father was always very involved in the business, overseeing everything.”

Mr Corrigan is survived by his sons Damian and Marty, grandchilren Caelan, Liam, Brandon, Cara, Leanne, Jamie, Jordan and Caitlyn, and sister, Bridie.