Well-known Limerick take-away closes after almost 40 years

A WELL-KNOWN take-away in Limerick has ceased trading after almost 40 years.

The shutters came down at Stuffins in Mulgrave Street last weekend, with its owner Stephen Walsh deciding to step away from the business due to ill health and retirement.

The family business had been in operation since 1986, with its owner Mr Walsh proudly proclaiming he served “probably the best curry in Ireland, never mind Limerick”.

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Taken from a secret Chinese recipe, Stuffins served chicken and beef curries, as well as king prawn, pork and vegetable dishes.
Also on the menu were a number of European dishes including chips, burgers, steaks omelettes and fish.

While Stephen opened Stuffins with his brother, qualified chef Derek in 1986, the building has been in the family since 1968.

His father Tom, a well-known Limerick businessman initially bought the premises, describing it as his “sanctuary”.

The unique name of the firm, Stuffins, was taken from a schoolboy nickname Stephen had.

Initially it operated as a restaurant and take-away.

But in 1996, a decision was taken to close the restaurant and focus on take-away.

In more recent years, the firm had also garnered a reputation of catering for parties and special occasions including weddings, baby showers, confirmations, communions and funerals among other things.

On its 20th anniversary in 2016, Mr Walsh painted the exterior of his premises in a distinctive orange and black to ensure it stood out from the crowd.

In the past in Limerick, revellers were said to have uttered their plans: “To get locked in the Locke, and stuffed in Stuffins”!