Our Story

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IRISH OWNED CO-OPERATIVE BUSINESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 120 YEARS

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

Who We Are

Founded in 1906 by an extraordinary leader, Paddy “the Cope” Gallagher, our co-operative was built against the odds to create a thriving business that continues to deliver lasting social and economic benefits to the people of West Donegal.

Today, The Cope is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading retailers, offering more product lines than any other retailer in the North West. We are proud to be a community business, creating sustainable employment while operating with integrity, honesty, and a passionate team spirit.

Our Locations & Businesses

The Cope is a multi-location co-operative with businesses in Dungloe, Annagry, Kincasslagh, and Falcarragh. Across these four locations, we operate 10 individual retail businesses, including:

Foodstores in Dungloe, Annagry, Falcarragh, and Kincasslagh
In Dungloe:
Home & Hardware Department
Clothing Department
Cope Sports
Hubtec
The Cope Builders Providers
Our Online Store: thecope.ie

Our Structure

Formally registered on 16th January 1906 as The Templecrone Co-operative Agricultural Society Ltd., The Cope has always been guided by a Board of Directors.

The original board consisted of 11 members, later expanding to 12—affectionately known as “The Twelve Apostles.”

The Story of the Cope

1906

The Templecrone Co-operative Agricultural Society Ltd. is formally registered on 16th January 1906 in Cleendra, Dungloe, founded by Paddy “The Cope” Gallagher.

1907

The Cope moves to Main Street, Dungloe.

1909

The Cope Relocates to the Old Courthouse, Main Street.

1910

Maghery Branch opens (closes, then reopens later that year),
Cope Hall built
The Tea-Van delivery service begins.

1911

Lettermacaward Branch opens.

1912

The Cope Dungloe relocates to Upper Main Street, Dungloe
Introduction of agricultural stocks.

1913

The Cope Bakery opens

1914

Meenbanad Branch opens

1915

Tailoring Department opens in Dungloe

1918

Knitting factory established in Dungloe

1919

Kincasslagh Branch opens

1921

Burtonport Branch opens

1922

First chartered Cope boat, SS Better Hope

1923

Annagry Branch opens
Cope Electricity programme begins

1937

President of Sinn Féin & Former President of Dáil Éireann

Eamonn de Valera visits Paddy the Cope

1940

First Cope-owned boat launched

1942

Soapstone mining at Crohy, Maghery

(opens and closes the same year)

1945

Fire devastates Main Street premises

1946

Soapstone mine reopens

1947

Soapstone mine collapses

1953

Last Cope boat

1956

ESB brings electricity to Dungloe

1966

Death of Paddy the Cope

1971

Narin Branch opens

1972

Meenbanad Branch closes

1973

Cope stamps introduced

1975

Turnover exceeds £1 million; Lough Swilly depot taken over

1976

Cope House acquired; furniture built

1977

Builders Providers moves to Quay Road

2020