WHILE GENERATIONS of Irish schoolchildren have got their copy of The Plough and the Starsfrom Eason's shelves, they were probably never aware that author Sean O'Casey once stocked them.
The author, who worked for Eason in the early 1890s, was fired for refusing to remove his cap while collecting his wage packet.
The incident is just one of many anecdotes from the long history of the books, stationary and magazines retailer, which celebrated 125 years in business yesterday.
The company’s anniversary was marked by an event held last night at Eason’s flagship store on Dublin’s O’Connell Street which was addressed by authors Maeve Binchey, Cathy Kelly and Paul Howard, the less well known name behind the self-confessed legend, Ross O’Carroll Kelly.
The event marked the beginning of a number of anniversary celebrations to be held by the store including celebrity book signings, book clubs and author evenings which will be open to the public and free of charge.
Head of marketing at Eason, David Field said that, 125 years after Charles Eason signed the lease in 1886 for the first Eason store, the business now had 60 stores throughout the island of Ireland.
“The significant milestone, not only allows us to travel back in time and remember all of the incredible moments that Eason has been part of in the past, but also to share our ambitions for the next 125 years which will see exciting developments and innovations take shape to move forward in line with our customers changing needs,” he said.
“It’s a great success story steeped in history.”
To mark the celebrations Eason also plans to reintroduce a limited edition retro book bag featuring the company’s trademark blue and green stripes.