Irish Companies History

Irish Companies is a fourth generation, family-owned company, certified women’s enterprise that began serving our Upstate New York neighbors in 1932, when Ralph Irish founded the R.N. Irish Coal Company.

Following World War II, the shift from coal to natural gas for home heat pushed Bob Irish—Ralph’s youngest son—to look for new ways to grow his business. Bob began to explore opportunities in industrial gases and welding supplies, then added propane to the mix by helping local companies convert their forklifts to the then little-known alternative fuel.

The rest, as they say, is history.

The company further diversified into Irish Carbonic in the 1960s, when we began offering carbonated gas and dry ice products to our Buffalo- and Rochester-area customers. We later expanded our service area to provide bulk CO₂ to cities in Ohio.

A lot has changed since 1932—but what hasn’t changed is the commitment to our customers that Ralph Irish made the cornerstone of his company. We still put you first, offering there-whenever-you-need-us service and fair and honest pricing, along with convenient programs to take the stress and hassle out of paying your bills.

But don’t take our word for it—listen to what our customers have to say … or contact today and discover the Irish Companies difference for yourself!