David P. Tyndall
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David P. Tyndall (May 17, 1890 - January 6, 1970) 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 supermarkets.
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[edit] Family Background
He was the grandson of John Tyndall from Newcastle in County Dublin, a saddlery and forge owner related to the renowned physicist of the same name and family, who hailed originally from the Tyndalls of Northumberland and came to Ireland in the Middle Ages. David was also descended from an O'Donnell of Tyrconnell, through a great-grandmother from Glenties in County Donegal who eloped with a Farley, ancestor of James Farley, Postmaster General of the USA. He was from Chapelizod, and left school at 14 years, to work and in due time become a leading entrepreneur. He married Sarah Gaynor (January 1, 1892 – August 19, 1973) from Inchicore in Dublin, in 1914, and had six children, William, David (Dave), Annie, Mona (Sr. Dr. Mona Tyndall), John, and Stephanie. William and Dave (Dave P. Tyndall, Jr.) junior joined their father’s business when they reached the age of 16, and Annie died young in 1934. Mona joined the Holy Rosary Sisters. John became a leading Dublin psychiatrist. Stephanie married an Army officer, Patrick Denis O'Donnell.
[edit] 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” 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. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
[edit] 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 Valera, 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.
[edit] Other interests
He held a life-long interest in horse-racing, and at one time owned a racehorse. A devout Roman Catholic, he was also a generous benefactor to the Church and various charities.
[edit] Tributes
Former Taoiseach (Prime Minister), the late Liam Cosgrave, and many other leaders of the political, business, and community sectors attended David P. Tyndall’s funeral in 1970.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Mergers
- National Packers, Ltd.
- Sugar Distributors, Ltd.
- Amalgamated Wholesalers, Ltd. (AWL)
[edit] Business Associations founded
- RG Data - Retail Grocery, Dairy and Allied Trades
[edit] External links
[edit] 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 Haydn, 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. (pages 19 and 41).
- Dublin Almanacks, 1830, 1840, 1860.
