Aoife Clifford, Assistant Manager of Herlihy’s Centra Patrick Street, Cork was both surprised and delighted to be named Customer Service & Checkout Manager of the Year at the National Grocery Management Awards 2026.
Aoife’s colleague at Herlihy’s Centra in nearby Oliver Plunkett Street, Annemarie O’Neill, was also honoured with the Deli / Food to Go Manager of the Year – C-Store accolade to complete a memorable double for the Herlihy Group, which was shortlisted in no fewer than 13 categories. These prestigious awards are a testament to the passion both recipients bring to their roles every day and recognise their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.
Established in 1980 when former Musgrave Group director Pat and Maureen Herlihy opened their first Centra in Bishopstown, the Herlihy Group now operates five other Centras in the Cork area – Patrick Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, Grand Parade, North Main Street and Mallow – as well as Maxol Service Stations in Ballincollig and Mahon. Fronted by Brian and Kevin Herlihy – Pat and Maureen’s sons – since 1990, the Fermoy-headquartered family business employs around 250 people and continues to go from strength to strength.
Attended by almost 320 guests at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire on Wednesday, May 13 last, the National Grocery Management Awards is Ireland’s premier scheme for recognising and honouring management excellence. To win one is a high point in the career of many of Ireland’s best performing managers from across a variety of categories and at various levels of career progression. The event is also the principal event for managers from across all wholesale brands to gather with colleagues, business partners, suppliers and friends.
“I’m so happy – I really wasn’t expecting it!” admits Aoife who, at just 24, is an old head on young shoulders.
“I went up to Dublin with the mindset of not getting my hopes up. So to win was an unbelievable feeling. I was also the first winner announced which meant I could relax and enjoy the rest of the night!
“It’s great recognition for our team and for the amazing work they do. I wouldn’t have won without them or the support of my manager Michael Kelliher, who has been such a good mentor to me since I came back to Patrick Street a year ago. He has excellent people skills which is something I struggled with up until now. It would be remiss of me not to also mention Brian and Kevin Herlihy for showing belief in me. I couldn’t have done it without them.
“I feel lucky to be surrounded by great people and the customers feel it too. We have a lot of regular customers which is unusual for a city centre store. There is a real sense of community here which is something I love as a country person (Aoife hails from Dunmanway in West Cork). It’s just a great place to work in.”
Aoife joined the Herlihy Group in October 2022 as a Sales Assistant on the checkouts. Through her dedication and commitment, she quickly progressed to Supervisor, then Duty Manager across several Herlihy’s stores, before being promoted to her current role as Assistant Manager in Patrick Street store where she continues to thrive.
“My parents had a corner shop in Wales before moving to Cork before I was born,” she explains.
“My retail journey didn’t start until I was 15 when I started working part-time in my local EuroSpar in Dunmanway. That’s where I caught the bug. I worked there until I was 19 when I became a Supervisor at Daybreak in Ballincollig. I then joined the Herlihy Group as a Sales Assistant in Patrick Street and Supervisor after that. I then became a Trainee Manager in Bishopstown and Duty Manager in Oliver Plunkett Street before returning to Patrick Street as Assistant Manager.
“The Herlihy Group are brilliant to work for. They helped me to progress by putting me on courses and a retail apprenticeship. They made me feel so welcoming from the start and are always looking to promote from within.”
The award-winning customer service manager continues: “Every store has been a completely different experience. I’m always learning and nothing fazes me anymore because everything always works out in the end. I love the hustle and bustle of retail, and meeting new people. It’s very interesting. If you’re looking for an active and social career, then retail is the job for you.”
Opened in August 2019 and employing 25 people, Herlihy’s Centra Patrick Street is a 1,000 sq. ft. High C-Convenience store located on Cork’s premier shopping street. For all the very latest in grab n’ go convenience foods, this is very much the go-to location. Opening hours are 6.30am to 10pm Monday-Thursday, 6.30am to 11pm on Fridays, 7am to 11pm on Saturdays and 9am to 10pm on Sundays.
“It’s a small, compact store in the heart of Cork city. We operate a one-way system which suits people who are catching a bus outside our door and need something in a hurry. We have an amazing prepack section thanks to our new Deli Manager Bogdan. Our deli is all about offering, range and presentation.
“Our staff really take the time to get acquainted with our customers. This attention to detail and willingness to help and take care of customers doesn’t go unnoticed. Our customers expect the best when they come into our store and that is exactly what they get from the quality of our products to the service they receive. Our products and services are second to none.”
‘Passionate about fresh food’, Herlihy’s Centra Patrick Street is proud to be part of Ireland’s leading convenience retail group serving over 3.5 million customers per week. At the heart of the communities in which it operates, Centra has sponsored the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship since 2010 and also supports countless local sporting and community groups across the country. Centra is part of Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, the retail franchise division of Musgrave Group, which is one of Ireland’s largest grocery and food distributors.
Herlihy’s Centra
11 St Patrick’s Street,
Cork,
T12 ET35.
Telephone: 021 229 7660
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.herlihycentra.ie
First published in Grocery & Retail Ireland magazine Vol 5 No 3, Autumn 2026
