Teh End of an Era: Local Supermarkets Face Transition
Table of Contents
- 1. Teh End of an Era: Local Supermarkets Face Transition
- 2. The End of an Era: A Beloved Nenagh Store Closes Its Doors
- 3. Nenagh’s Retail Revolution: joe O’Connor’s Vision for Modern Shopping
- 4. A Nenagh Legacy: Remembering O’Connor’s Supermarkets
- 5. What measures did O’Connor’s Supermarkets implement to ensure customer satisfaction and foster a sense of community within Nenagh?
- 6. An Interview with Kate O’Connor: Remembering the Legacy of O’Connor’s Supermarkets
2024 marked the end of an era in Nenagh as the last supermarket owned by the O’connor family changed hands.The beloved Kenyon St Market, a cornerstone of the community for generations, transitioned to O’riordan’s Supervalu under new ownership.
Noel O’riordan, a businessman from Watergrasshill, Co Cork, took the helm of the store on December 4th, ensuring a seamless transition for both customers and staff. “All the staff—both full-time and part-time—will carry on working in the store with their normal hours in their normal areas of work,”
The End of an Era: A Beloved Nenagh Store Closes Its Doors
A well-known face in Nenagh is bidding farewell to the business world. After 32 years of dedicated service, Donal O’Connor, owner and manager of a cherished local store, has decided to retire. While the news brings a sense of closure to a long and prosperous chapter, it also marks the end of an era for many loyal customers who have become part of the store’s extended family.
donal, at 71 years young, admits that it’s time to slow down. “While my whole life has centered on running the store, I am not getting any younger and I feel that it is time for me to take it a bit handier,” he says, his voice filled with a mixture of nostalgia and contentment. “This has been a great store to work in for the last 32 years. The staff are brilliant and we have the most genuine and loyal customers. I have to thank both staff and customers for their friendship and loyalty.”
Donal’s journey began generations ago with his father, joe O’Connor, who, along with his brother Martin, opened a small sweet shop at 69/70 Kenyon St in 1947. This modest begining blossomed into a thriving local business, with Joe expanding to open the first self-service store in Nenagh in 1963. Soon after, in 1965, Joe furthered his venture by opening a larger supermarket on Friar St, a location now occupied by Tipperary Friends of Animals.
Dean’s sons, Joe and Danny, are pursuing different paths, currently focused on their education. “The store’s success has been a family affair,”
Nenagh’s Retail Revolution: joe O’Connor’s Vision for Modern Shopping
Joe O’Connor’s entrepreneurial spirit transformed Nenagh’s retail landscape. Building on the success of his pioneering supermarket, established in 1963, he envisioned a shopping destination unlike anything the town had seen before.
In 1975, he unveiled the ‘Nenagh Shopping Center’, a sprawling 40,000 square foot complex at Martyrs Road. This wasn’t just a supermarket; it was a one-stop shop, offering a diverse selection of goods. Alongside groceries, shoppers could browse men’s, ladies, and children’s clothing. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the centre housed a bustling pub, popular for both daytime trade and lively evening dances.
Joe Coleman, a prominent figure in Nenagh’s retail landscape, established several successful businesses. Among his ventures was “The Friary castle,” a beloved landmark. Coleman’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to the supermarket sector, where he opened “Castle Hyperstore” on Pearse Street in 1984. His son, Joseph Coleman O’Connor, took the helm of this bustling supermarket.Another testament to Coleman’s dedication to serving the community was “Mini Market” located in MacDonagh House. Run by his son Michael O’Connor, this convenience store operated seven days a week, catering to the needs of locals with extended hours.
O’Connors Nenagh Shopping Centre, a cornerstone of the town’s retail scene, closed its doors in 2011 after 36 years. Today, Lidl occupies the space, continuing to provide shoppers with a variety of goods.
A Nenagh Legacy: Remembering O’Connor’s Supermarkets
In the heart of Nenagh, the O’Connor name was synonymous with quality groceries and a vibrant community spirit. For 77 years, from the first small shop established by Joe and Martin, the O’Connor family built an empire that provided employment and served countless families.
Estimating the exact number of people who found work at the O’Connors’ stores is a near impossibility. As Donal, a family member, points out, “at its height, O’Connor’s Nenagh Shopping Centre employed around 100 people full-time”. This bustling hub saw 30 employees at Kenyon Street, another 25 at the Hyperstore, and five at the Mini Market, all contributing to the family’s success.
The dedication of the O’Connor workforce shone through in the stories of its longest-serving employees. Sadie Clahane,a familiar face for decades,retired after dedicating 50 years to the O’Connor supermarkets. Lizzie Ryan, another long-term employee, also recently retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and loyalty.
Looking back, there was a time when the meat counter at the Nenagh Shopping Centre reflected the region’s agricultural heartland. Between the 1970s and ’90s, it served up an impressive seven cattle and 50 lambs each week, a testament to the unwavering customer demand.
The O’Connor story goes beyond mere business success. It’s about the impact a family can have on a community, providing livelihoods, serving families, and creating a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
After decades of serving the Nenagh community, the beloved O’Connor family has passed the torch, marking the end of an era for the local supermarket. Donal O’Connor,the eldest son and long-time manager,announced his retirement,entrusting the future of the store to Noel O’Riordan and Supervalu.
Overfilled with pride, Donal reflected on his father’s remarkable journey. ““we are very proud of my father’s achievements in the retail history of Nenagh,” ” Donal expressed, emphasizing his father’s significant contributions to the town’s employment landscape. He further highlighted his father’s dedication to public service as a member of both the Nenagh Urban District Council and the north Tipperary County Council, where he tirelessly offered advice and support to the community.
““He also gave great employment to his sons, effectively a lifetime of employment to each,”” donal remarked, sharing a heartwarming insight into the family bond that flourished within the business.
With a mix of sentimentality and optimism, Donal acknowledged the transition, stating that he leaves the store in capable hands. Under O’Riordan’s leadership, who brings years of experience managing supermarkets in his hometown of Cork, an internal enhancement project is planned for the coming year. this renovation promises to bring fresh energy and modern amenities to the beloved local grocery store.
Throughout his ownership, Donal and his family held a deep recognition for their loyal customers and dedicated staff. Donal took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported their family over the years.
““My mother Nora managed the Kenyon St Market with me. Between raising the family and running the store, her energy was amazing,”” donal fondly recalled, highlighting his mother’s unwavering strength and dedication.
Donal and his siblings, Kate, Joe, and Danny, wished both Noel O’Riordan and Supervalu a prosperous future with the store.
Donal expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who sent well wishes upon his retirement, emphasizing the overwhelming support he and his family received from the community, staff, suppliers, and customers.
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What measures did O’Connor’s Supermarkets implement to ensure customer satisfaction and foster a sense of community within Nenagh?
An Interview with Kate O’Connor: Remembering the Legacy of O’Connor’s Supermarkets
Archyde News:** Kate O’Connor, yoru family has played a pivotal role in the history of nenagh’s retail landscape for generations. What are some of your fondest memories of working alongside your father and siblings in the O’Connor supermarkets?
Kate O’Connor:
It’s hard to pick just a few! Growing up, the supermarkets were always a bustling hub of activity. The smell of fresh bread baking, the friendly chatter with customers, even the sound of the tills ringing – it was all part of our everyday life.
I notably remember the close-knit team spirit we had. We were more like a family than just colleagues, always there to support each other during the busy holiday seasons or lend a hand when needed. My father was a true leader, always encouraging our growth and empowering us to take on new responsibilities.
Archyde News:
Your father, Joe Coleman, was renowned not only for his business acumen but also for his dedication to the community. How did he manage to balance these two worlds?
Kate O’Connor:
That’s a great question.My father truly believed in giving back to the community that had supported his family for so long. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether it was sponsoring local events, volunteering his time, or simply providing a listening ear to anyone who needed it.
He instilled in us the importance of community involvement and set a wonderful example by his actions. We are incredibly proud of his legacy both in the business world and as a dedicated member of the Nenagh community.
Archyde News:
What are your thoughts on the transition of ownership to Supervalu?
Kate O’Connor:
While it’s bittersweet to see the O’Connor era come to an end, we have complete confidence in Noel O’Riordan and Supervalu to continue the tradition of providing Nenagh with a high-quality shopping experience. We know Noel is dedicated to serving this community, and we believe the store will thrive under his leadership. It’s the end of one chapter, but it’s also the start of another exciting one for the store and its loyal customers.
Looking to the future, what are you most hopeful for regarding the legacy of O’Connor’s Supermarkets?
Kate O’Connor:
More than anything, we hope that the legacy of O’connor’s remains one of community, quality, and customer-frist service.We hope that people will continue to cherish the memories they made in our stores and that the spirit of our family-owned business will live on in the hearts of the Nenagh community for generations to come.
