Village Shop/ Post Office category champion Muckamore Post Office, Antrim, Co. Antrim
Islandbawn Stores are an institution in the area; it is a village shop, post office, petrol station and DIY supplier all rolled into one. The Kirkpatrick family has worked exceptionally hard over many years to build this business into what it is today, believing their strong customer service ethic helps them battle the threats from the larger multiples. Community spirit is strong here, with support for local farmers evident in the produce sold.
The family provides a centre to the community, holding charity open days and supporting local schools and colleges. This shop is everything the category is about and embodies the ethos of the Awards.
Enterprise category champion The Irish Fly Fishing and Game shooting Museum, Attanagh, Co Laois
Walter Phelan's rural museum, which has been funded mainly by Walter himself, is a true la- bour of love containing his extensive collection of fishing, shooting and trapping exhibits, alongside photographs, magazines, taxidermy and other curiosities from sporting history in Ireland. Walter's pure aim, he says, is "to pass on the great joy I get when I am out in the open air hunting, fishing and shooting."
Walter's obvious delight in country sports is inspiring, and it is our privilege to honour him for preserving and passing on Ireland's great rural heritage. It would be unthinkable that this im- portant part of our history could be lost.
Butcher category champion Nolans of Kilcullen, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
Nolans of Kilcullen is a real beacon of excellence. James Nolan is the fourth generation to own the shop in Kilcullen and his energy and ideas are inspiring to both the public and his staff. The produce is of an excellent standard and James and his wife Emma are justly proud of the quality and traceability of everything sold on the shop floor, whether from their own farm or from local farmers.
Nothing is wasted as James has started producing dog food from offcuts and offers bones for
customers' dogs; simple, but great, ideas that cater for customers' needs. The shop also con- tains fruit, vegetables and a deli counter alongside the award winning butchery products. Nolans is a butcher shop with a difference, mainly due to James and Emma's infectious en-
thusiasm for what they do. It is all the more impressive given that James himself has had an organ transplant and has gone on to raise over a million euro for charity, continuing to give a huge amount of time and support to those on dialysis and facing transplants themselves. The Nolans, and their team, are happy in their work and the community has their total support. For these reasons, they truly deserve the accolade of the best butchers in Ireland.
Highly Commended: J Muldrew & Son, Markethill, Co Armagh
Muldrew's really embody the community retail ethos these awards wish to preserve. Great community spirit is on display here from everyone on the team and Muldrew's is a popular centre of the community.
I Shoot and Fish E-Zine March 2012
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