Updated / Thursday, 20 Mar 2025 14:25
Jack Fitzgerald, the founder of Golden Discs, has passed away at the age of 94.
In 1962, Mr Fitzgerald co-founded the Trans-Atlantic Record Agency (TARA) with Tom Rogers. Four years later, in 1966, they rebranded as Golden Discs, and opened up in Ireland’s first shopping centre in Stillorgan.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Golden Discs expanded nationwide and was a pioneer in home delivery, offering global mail-order services.
The introduction of CDs and DVDs in the 1980s and 1990s fuelled further growth, leading to the opening of over 100 stores across Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, the late 2000s brought significant industry changes with the rise of the internet, file-sharing, and streaming platforms.
Today, Golden Discs operates 20 stores nationwide. It founder’s legacy continues through his son Stephen, who continues to develop and grow the family business.
Beyond Golden Discs, Jack made another lasting impact on the Irish music industry by establishing Tara Records (now Tara Music), a traditional music label founded in 1972.
The label’s first release featured a then-unknown Christy Moore. Tara Records went on to release music from artists such as Planxty, Clannad, The Chieftains, Bill Whelan, Davy Spillane and Liam O’Flynn.
Jack Fitzgerald passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie, and their children: Gary, Stephen, Barbara, Debbie, and DP.
