Mary Guiney (née Leahy, 2 March 1901 - 23 August 2004) was an Irish businesswoman and centenarian, best known as the long serving chairperson of Clerys & Co.[1] Mary Leahy, known as May in her youth, was born 2 March 1901 at the family farm at Creeves, near Shanagolden, County Limerick.
The Guineys invested in the store, installing 42 sales counters over the shop's four floors, as well as a ballroom, two restaurants and three bars.
Owing to Guiney's strong religious belief, Clerys hosted many charity events, in particular for elderly or isolated Dublin residents.
[5] Over time, Guiney gave relatives positions within the business, some senior, but continued to retain a controlling stake and resisted suggestions to sell the company or major assets.
In later years, Guiney continued to resist changes in the business, which some think damaged the store and hindered its ability to garner new or younger customers.
[7] Following a funeral mass in St Anthony's Church, Clontarf, Guiney was buried alongside her husband, and his first wife, Nora Gilmore, in Glasnevin Cemetery.