AN Ennis store has struck gold achieving a coveted national award. Donnellan’s Centra on the Lahinch Road was among the big winners at the ShelfLife National C-Store Awards 2021 held recently.
Picking up the Gold award for Convenience Store of the Year (Medium) on behalf of Donnellan’s were a delighted Joan and Edwina Donnellan.
The awards celebrate exceptional standards of Ireland’s convenience store sector celebrated at national industry event.
Other Clare stores taking home awards on the night were: Londis McNamee’s Darragh, Ennis which was awarded Convenience Store of the Year (Large) Bronze; Spar, Back Lane, Lahinch, Co, Clare Convenience Store of the Year (Small) Joint Bronze; and Mace, Lissycasey, Convenience Store of the Year (Medium) Bronze.
Originally due to be held in November 2021, the ceremony was postponed due to the increase of Covid-19 hospitalisations occurring at that time, and to ensure the safety of all involved.
Proving the adage that good things come to those who wait, the country’s top retailers and brands gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire yesterday evening to attend the prestigious event.
The ShelfLife C-Store Awards – now in their 20th year – are the only comprehensive and independently judged business accolades for the convenience store sector.
Together with returning master of ceremonies Marty Whelan, ShelfLife welcomed 330 guests from across the industry. Awards were presented across 24 categories in total, celebrating the industry’s finest stores, people and brands in a diverse range of areas.
Commenting on the awards ceremony, ShelfLife publisher John McDonald said: “We were absolutely delighted to celebrate the achievements of Ireland’s leading convenience retailers in-person once again, after two years of almost no physical events.
“Retailers have faced huge challenges during the pandemic – not least of which, difficulties with staff rostering due to isolation restrictions. However, Ireland’s convenience retail teams have responded to all the myriad challenges in a rapid and professional manner, with the safety of colleagues and customers kept front-of-mind at all times.
“Not only that, but Ireland’s convenience stores have in fact strengthened ties with their local communities even further, with many going the extra mile to assist and support their vulnerable customers. This is a real testament to the professionalism and dedication of our leading c-stores, truly at the beating heart of their communities.”