SuperValu and GAA bring together a true partnership of two of Ireland’s most community focused organisations. Eugene O’Gorman of O’Gorman’s SuperValu Carrickmacross is proud of their strong links with the national’s largest sporting body.
At SuperValu, they say ‘We believe in Local’ and nothing represents local more than the GAA, with its strong heritage and deep roots in every community across Ireland.
2022 marks SuperValu’s 13th year as sponsor of the GAA All-Ireland Football Championship and they are proud to say that it is a partnership that continues to grow from strength to strength.
In the last 10 years, SuperValu has contributed over €18 million to aid the development of our national sport and that doesn’t count support at local levels. Eugene O’Gorman of O’Gorman’s SuperValu Carrickmacross, for example, has never been shy in digging deep into his pocket when local GAA clubs coming knocking on his door.
“It is probably the most natural fit between two organisations,” Eugene commented. “When you see the hype and excitement that Magheracloone’s run to the All-Ireland Club IFC final generated it shows how important the GAA is to people.
“You also have the likes of Carrickmacross Emmets, Corduff, Killanny, Donaghmoyne and Inniskeen GAA clubs in our catchment area and they are all very strong clubs with strong support bases.
“The sponsorship between Supervalu and the GAA at national and local levels is mutually beneficial – they support us as well and we support them where possible with sponsoring jerseys, footballs and whatever fundraising events they may be holding. We’re glad to do it because, as I said, the people in these clubs have supported us for over 45 years.”
Eugene, who has two sons, Seanan and Fiachra, currently playing underage with Carrick Emmets, added: “The GAA club is the heartbeat of every community and Carrickmacross and the surrounding locality is no different.”
O’Gormans Supervalu has been an ever present on the Carrickmacross landscape ever since Eugene’s parents, Gus and Nuala, opened its doors on May 27th, 1974.
“It was my father’s 40th birthday and, thankfully, both are still hale and hearty and working in the business. In 2003, we moved to a new 17,000 sq ft state of the art premises here in Market Square Shopping Centre and employ approximately 100 people between full-time and part-time.
“In the 45 years that we have been here it is estimated that at least 2000 youngsters had their first jobs with us. It’s an interesting fact that would be quite accurate. Between temporary and part-time work, we helped a lot of young people get through school and college.
“Then there are some employees that have been with us for 40 years. We’re well and truly embedded in the county at this stage!”
O’Gormans SuperValu stock all top brands in both food and alcohol with great special offers. That’s along with their Supervalu home range for people to save save save!
Meanwhile, two years ago they expanded the family enterprise by opening up a second store in nearby Kingscourt, County Cavan.
“We had a healthy finish to 2019 and are looking forward positively,” Eugene replied when asked: how business was going at the moment? “We are renewing investment in both of our stores on an ongoing basis. It is a competitive environment but we’re looking forward with confidence.
“Friendliness, local, quality and value – those are the things that we pride ourselves on. We are big supporters of local suppliers and industry. 70% of what was stock on our shelves is Irish produce. All of our beef, poultry, lamb and pork products are Irish Bord Bia sourced and approved.”
Supporting local is important to Eugene and SuperValu but there will be divided loyalties in the summer ahead.
O’Gorman’s SuperValu stores will be in direct opposition when Monaghan and Cavan clash in the Ulster SFC preliminary round. Farney County supporters will be hoping Seamus McEnaney’s men can avenge last year’s 0-12 to 1-13 defeat at the hands of their neighbours.
“Banty is back as manager and there’s never a dull moment when Banty’s around. It will be compulsive viewing,” Eugene concluded.
O’Gorman’s SuperValu
Market Square Shopping Centre
Carrickmacross
