Castleknock Flowers was established in 1989 by local artist Mary McMenamin in what was the “old bookies” located behind Castleknock Stores, with the simple idea of providing fresh Bouquets and Arrangements of exceptional quality and unique flair for the local community of Castleknock. A quick move from “behind” onto the main street and Castleknock Stores was replaced by Castleknock Flowers and for nearly 30 years this is where Conal , Mary’s son built on that idea.Drawing on his background in graphic design, Conal slotted nicely into Castleknock Flowers, with a natural eye for colour and of course a good sense of floral style inherited from his mother, Conal developed his own unique style, bringing a fresh take to traditional bouquets and arrangements. “for me its always style over fashion, keep it simple, keep it fresh”
Mary McMenamin 1938 to 2022.
Mary McMenamin was born on the 14th of May 1938 in the Coombe hospital in the heart of the liberties to Catherine Higgins from the Curragh and John Higgins, from Derry, a member of the Irish army and a veteran of the Somme. Mum was the only sister to 4 brothers. Mum’s early years were in Portobello Barracks in Rathmines, A proud Dub, she always spoke fondly of her years growing up in Dublin and of working on Grafton St as a sales assistant and window dresser, She loved hitting the many dance halls and ballrooms the city had to offer, even if at the end of those dance hall nights, she would be picked up by one of her brothers on their motorbikes and taken back home to Ballyfermot where she now lived.
It was at one of those ballrooms, a Donegal man with a van asked her to dance, so no more lifts home on the back of a bike were needed, that man was our Dad, Con, and after 2 years of courtship they married on the 11th of Sept 1967, in Ballyfermot church, the reception was in the Green Isle hotel, and before they left early from their own wedding, to make the honeymoon flight, Mum and Dad sung *In a World of our own* by the seekers
It was a song they would sing to each other for the next 55 yrs.
Con and Mary set up home in Blanchardstown, and what a lovely place to set up house, surrounded by great neighbors, It was a wonderful community then, and still is today. Our Home was loud and full on, like any home it had arguments, tears, hugs, laughter and song, but at its heart was always Mum. Always there for all of us. A rock we hung onto.. Mum never hid from work, doing Dads job when he was sick, running a kindergarten in our house, which was brilliant, because there is nothing as lovely as the sound of kids laughing or reciting one of mum’s many nursery rhythms which she had composed.
Of course Mum’s love of flowers would lead her to setting up Castleknock Flowers. Mum was a talented florist, and loved working in her shop in the heart of the village; many a romance was aided by one of Mum’s bouquets and many a bride carried one of Mum’s creations down an isle. Mum was a woman of many talents, She made not only her own wedding dress but her daughters too, She played Bessie Burgess in Sean O’Casey’s play *The Plough and the stars* and in Royal Tara golf club she was know not only to hit a good drive ,but she was also up for a laugh in their end of year show. And it was at Royal Tara that Mum and Dad made some of their best friends.
At our home, Mum and Dad had always a warm welcome for one and all, many a night was filled with the sound of a piano and you never had to ask mum to sing twice, her signature song was *I have a dream* by ABBA and of course there was a duet or 2 with Dad. That open house was extended to our friends, anyone and everyone was welcomed and mum was there at the door to greet.
Mum was at the heart of our home, she shaped it, styled it, and filled it with her greatest talent, her Paintings. Mum was a fabulous Painter and many a house in Dublin 15 and further afield has one of her oil paintings. And it is in her Paintings that mum’s memory will endure.
Our Mum loved each one of us for who we were, she welcomed each of our partners with the biggest of hugs and as each of her 11 Grand Children arrived they were greeted with their own little song that Mum wrote for them, it was as Granny that Mum truly shone, Mum adored her grandchildren and even in her final years a Grandchild could always raise a smile.
We were so lucky to have Mary McMenamin as our Mum, she had the eye of an artist, florist hands, seamstresses fingers, a singers voice, a dancers feet and the biggest of hearts, She was loved by her family and friends.
So let me end, with this….
Mum’s life in Blanchardstown did start so smoothly, having secured a mortgage and a loan from his Uncle Pat, Dad thought it might be a good idea to show his bride-to-be their new home, So picking mum up in Ballyfermot of they set in his VW Campervan, past Ballyfermot Church, the church they’d marry in, down Ballyfermot hill into Chapelizod Village, up Knockmaroon hill, into the sleepy village of Castleknock, where mum would later run her business, over the canal and railway bridge into the busy town of Blanchardstown, up the Clonsilla road and into Clonsilla Close, a tour of the house followed, front garden, back garden and side one too, Stairs that went up and down, good-room, TV room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom, Mum walked around the house in silence. The tour over the return journey began. Clonsilla road, to Blanchardstown, to Castleknock, down Knockmarron hill into Chapelizod Village, back up Ballyfermot hill, past the church and home. No doubt Dad talked the whole journey back… and leaning across to kiss his bride-to-be good-bye, she was already out the door and sprinting up the driveway and into her house, door slammed behind her, A sobbing mum threw herself onto the kitchen table….. “Mary” her mother Catherine asked … what is the matter? Whats happened?
A tearful mum looked up and said…. Oh Mum He’s only gone and bought a house in the country….
Love you and miss you mum xx