Centenary Celebrations for Connolly Brothers

Now in the hands of the third generation of the family, ‘Connolly Brothers’ is celebrating a century in business. In that time it has survived several recessions, a world war, a pandemic as well as countless other national and global events.

While a lot has changed in their 100 years in business, including the goods sold and some elements of how they do business, the name on the door remains the same, which is something of which Paul Connolly, who runs the shop with his wife Fiona is very proud.

“My grandfather Patrick Connolly (pictured above) purchased the premises from draper Mr John Richie in 1923,” he said. “With his wife Mary, he converted the business to retailing hardware. In 1960 his son, who is my father Joseph (Joe), joined the business having previously worked in the electrical goods retail trade.

“When my grandfather passed in 1964, Joe along with his brothers Brian and Sean continued the business placing emphasis on fancy goods, toys, and souvenirs.”

In 1992 Paul stepped into the family business with his parents Joe and Frances . “I worked alongside my parents until they retired in 2004 and I work here today with my wife Fiona,” he happily reports.

In order to survive and thrive the shop has changed with the times, according to Fiona.

“Back in 1930s, we sold toys, when nobody else was selling them in the town.” We introduced Santa Claus visiting the shop back in the early 1980s which was a big thing at the time and also created many happy memories from children in the area.”

Nowadays, with retail parks and superstores we’ve had to change how we do business. You have to keep evolving to stay ahead. While the methods have changed, the drive to stay ahead of the game is something that the Connollys retain.

“During the pandemic, we realized we can’t keep running our business the same way we did five or ten years ago. We had to go online, it’s something we never thought we’d have to do. It was challenging. We embraced our social media which took us out of our comfort zone, but we got there and that’s why the door is still open. Our website, forgetmenotgifts.ie is active since April 2020 distributing nationwide and overseas,” says Fiona.

“We endeavour to give our customers a personal touch while instore and do our best to ensure they walk out of here feeling good about their experience.”

“Currently, we’re concentrating and expanding on educational toys, games, baby toys and gifts, sensory toys, wooden toys and brain teasers. Traditional toys definitely have stood the test of time. We have introduced an extensive range of leather jewellery cases, and the popular Cavan gift items, including Created in Cavan foods and giftpacks, with Irish designers, creators and crafters, offering local Irish produced unique gifts. Customers really appreciate Ireland’s wealth of talent and locally made products.”

CELEBRATIONS

“As part of the celebration we are having a customer appreciation day on June 14 with an age-friendly customer appreciation day for the senior citizens of the community,” says Fiona.

“Our long-standing customers have helped us stay in business for so long, we’ll have a shopping experience with a cup of tea, a chat, and a trip down memory lane with a slide show of photos from when the shop opened.

“On Thursday and Friday, we will have a pop-up in store with artists and creators in store to celebrate all Irish things. On Saturday we will have children’s fun time from noon to 3pm with drama, games and lots of fun. Booking essential,” she concludes.

On a final note, Paul and Fiona, with Joe and Frances Connolly, would like to thank their staff, past and present, and customers, near and far, for their continued support over the decades.