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Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Who was Mattress Mick before he was Mattress Mick?Alamy Stock Photo book extract Mattress Mick How I found my trading feet at Dublin's Dandelion Market Read an extract from Michael Flynn’s new memoir charting his journey to becoming a well-known mattress salesman. 7.01am, 28 Oct 2025 Share options This is an extract from ‘Bouncing Back: Memoirs of a mattress salesman’ by Michael Flynn AKA Mattress Mick. AFTER I LEFT school I began to spread my wings and embrace the taste of independence. So much so that I decided to set up my own little weekend stall at the Dandelion Market. Back then, it was Dublin’s beating heart of creativity and counterculture. It was an open-air market unlike any other, and at the time, it was the talk of the town. The air was filled with energy and colour, and the people who came to roam its narrow lanes were just as lively and diverse as the goods on display. The Dandelion Market wasn’t just a place to shop; it was a gathering ground for artists, musicians, students and all kinds of free spirits. You could find yourself talking to a local painter, a hippie playing a guitar, a group of students debating philosophy, and a performer doing an impromptu dance. It had a bohemian, almost magical feel to it, there was always music playing, voices laughing, and the irresistible hum of life happening all around. My sister Catherine was absolutely enchanted by the place and helped me on the stall. She loved it for the characters it attracted, each one a story waiting to be told. The market was a paradise for anyone who loved variety and creativity. Stalls were packed with treasures – from second-hand clothing that told stories of years gone by to antiques with the charm of forgotten times. There were stacks of vinyl records, glistening jewellery, perfume bottles with exotic scents, and an eclectic mix of house goods, arts and crafts. The assortment was endless, and it was all incredibly vibrant with bright colours, eclectic designs and textures. It was more than just shopping; it was a chance to explore, to get lost in the uniqueness of it all. The cover of the new memoir by Michael Flynn, AKA Mattress MickGill Books Looking back, those were some of the happiest days of my life. I felt as though I had truly found my calling. The hustle and bustle of the market, the excitement of people coming and going, bargaining and chatting, felt like home. I loved the interaction with everyone who came through the market, whether they were browsing or buying. Advertisement I quickly became known as the person who could find whatever you needed, no matter how obscure. From jewellery to bathroom accessories, I could get my hands on it. If someone needed something, I’d already have a contact in mind, and with a smile, I’d make sure they got it. The thrill of the trade, the joy of connecting with people, just felt right. The Dandelion Market was more than just a market; it was a melting pot of cultures, ideas and experiences. In many ways, it was the beginning of Dublin’s evolution into a more multicultural city, as it welcomed new influences, new ways of thinking, and new people into the fold. It was a time when Dublin began to open its arms to the world, and the Dandelion Market stood as a vibrant testament to that change. It wasn’t just a marketplace, it was a reflection of the pulse of a city that was slowly, but surely, becoming something much bigger than it had been. And for me, it was a time of discovery, excitement and endless possibility. I was making great money on the Market. Selling was natural to me, it was in my blood. I had a way with people, a knack for persuasion, and, if I’m being honest, my looks didn’t hurt either. I was young, confident and thriving. Business was so good that I could afford something that up to then I had only dreamed of owning: a car. Not just any car, but a beautiful little grey Mini. Sleek, compact and full of character. The registration number was CZU 221. I can’t remember my own phone number now, but I remember that as clear as day. That Mini was my pride and joy. I was over the moon, feeling like a proper man about town. And, as they say, a car does seem to attract more attention. Suddenly, I noticed more glances, more smiles. But none of that mattered, because there was only one girl in my life: Cathy. The changing face of Dublin Beyond the personal joy it brought me, the Mini also turned out to be a blessing for my family. Things weren’t going well for the family business at the time. The biggest problem was that large stores like Dunnes Stores and Penneys had opened in the city centre, and we were probably the last drapery business left in Dublin. Once those big shops arrived, people started going into town to buy what they needed instead of supporting small, independent drapery stores like ours. Pearse Street was close to the city, which saved us a little. But new shopping centres were opening all over Dublin, filled with well-known brands. That only made things worse for us. One by one, the other independent drapery stores shut down, they just couldn’t compete. We were one of the last ones left, holding on as best we could. With the business struggling, the debt my grandfather had left behind weighed on us. My dad had no choice but to sell his Morris Minor. Since he lived above his work, he didn’t need a car that much. But on the occasions he did, my Mini was there for him. Yet no matter how hard we worked, it felt like we were only sinking further into debt. Even the wholesalers were going under. It was all just getting harder and harder, and there didn’t seem to be a way out. By then, though, something much more serious was weighing on my mind. Dad had emphysema and it was starting to get worse. I could see it in the way he moved, the way he breathed and that harsh, relentless cough, especially in the mornings, I felt for him every time. Yet, no matter how sick he was, he never once complained. He was still smoking though, it was what everyone did back then, barely giving it a second thought. Cigarettes were just a part of life. But I could see the toll it was taking. For the first time, I started to really worry about him. While the Dandelion Market felt like home to me, it was only a weekend gig. I enjoyed it, but I needed something more, something stable, as my father put it. I think the ups and downs of his own life made him determined to guide his children towards a more secure and conventional path. Michael Flynn is a businessman and the owner of the ‘Mattress Mick’ mattress sales company. His memoir ’Bouncing Back: Memoirs of a mattress salesman’ is published by Gill Books. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. 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Please give full details of the problem with the comment... book extract Dandelion Market dublin history mattress mick michael flynn News in 60 seconds European Commission Hate speech 'widespread' in Ireland and legislation should be prioritised, report says 14 mins ago Good Morning The 8 at 8: Tuesday 27 mins ago Trump and new Japanese prime minister sign deal to 'secure' rare earths supply Rodgers resigns as Celtic boss with ex-Ireland manager O’Neill taking interim charge Hurricane Melissa to batter Jamaica as the island’s strongest storm on record Gaza Medevac Ireland completes complex medical evacuation of sick children from Gaza to Ireland InvestigatesHistoric psychiatric institutions ‘They have been sidelined’ - historic trauma at Ireland's mental institutions Niamh Cavanagh Michael D Higgins President Higgins to remain in hospital for treatment of infection A man has been arrested after he barricaded himself inside an empty creche in County Meath North Strand Road Man charged with assault and public order offences after Connolly canvasser incident New public toilets in North Dublin park vandalised after one week more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. 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