Fegan's Story: A Local Landmark's Past
For decades, the building at 13-18 Chancery Street was synonymous with Fegans Cash & Carry, a family business that became a key supplier for Dublin's hospitality trade. This section explores its history, its growth, and the circumstances surrounding the closure of its iconic city-center location.
Timeline of a Family Business
1981
Fegans Cash & Carry Limited is established, beginning its journey as a Dublin-based wholesaler.
1990s-2010s
The business expands significantly, evolving into 'Fegans Foodservice' and opening a second depot in Finglas to better serve the growing hospitality industry.
Early 2020s
The Chancery Street location ceases trading and the building becomes derelict. While the company remains active, this marks the end of an era for its city-center presence.
Why Did It Close?
While there was no single official announcement, the closure of the Chancery Street location likely resulted from a combination of factors:
- ✓
COVID-19 Pandemic: The hospitality sector, Fegans' key clientele, was severely impacted by restrictions. The popular on-site cafe also faced these pressures.
- ✓
Changing Local Economy: The decline of the nearby historic wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market shifted the area's commercial focus, potentially impacting a traditional cash-and-carry model.
- ✓
Business Evolution: With a modern depot in Finglas, the company may have consolidated its operations, making the older city-center premises redundant.
The 'Chancer' Mystery
The name "Chancer" was spotted on the building's mural, sparking curiosity about a possible former nightclub or venue. Was there ever a place called 'Chancer' on Chancery Street? We dug into the archives to find out.
Conclusion: A Case of Mistaken Identity?
Despite extensive searches of business directories, historical entertainment listings, and city archives, there is no record of any official business, nightclub, or venue named "Chancer" on Chancery Street.
The name likely originates from the artist's creative interpretation for the mural, a clever play on the street's name rather than a reference to a real establishment. It remains a piece of local folklore and a testament to the power of street art to create new stories.
A New Chapter: The Future of the Site
The derelict site is set for a dramatic transformation. Developer OBA Chancery Limited has submitted plans (Ref: WEB2214/24) for a modern, mixed-use building that will bring new life, residents, and visitors to the area.
7-8
Storeys High
96
Hostel Bedrooms
599
Hostel Bed Spaces
12
Residential Apartments
Hostel Details
The development will feature a major new tourist hostel designed to cater to modern travelers, offering a mix of room types and extensive amenities concentrated on the ground and first floors.
- ●Mix of accessible, twin, and shared rooms (up to 10 guests)
- ●Guest amenities including a café/bar and co-working spaces
- ●On-site gym, guest kitchen, dining area, and cinema room
Urban Canvas: The Story of the Murals
The ever-changing murals on the site's hoardings have turned a construction site into a public gallery. But who commissions them, and who benefits financially? The answer lies in two common models for public-facing art on private developments.
How are Hoarding Murals Commissioned? (Hover to Explore)
Path 1: Commercial Advertising
Developer
(OBA Chancery Ltd.)
Media/Ad Agency
Manages the space
Brand/Advertiser
Pays for the mural
Revenue is shared between the developer and the media agency. The frequent changes could reflect different ad campaigns.
Path 2: Public Art Commission
Developer
(OBA Chancery Ltd.)
Street Art Organisation
Curates the project
Artist(s)
Receives a commission fee
The developer funds the project as a community benefit. The primary revenue goes to the artists and curators for their work.
The specific financial arrangement for the Chancery Street murals is private, but it almost certainly follows one of these two models.