There was major recognition for O’Sullivan’s Centra in Clarina, Co. Limerick recently when John Reeves triumphed in the ‘Overall Manager – C-Store Large Store 4,000 sq. ft. +’ category at the 2024 National Grocery Management Awards.
An old head on young shoulders, John was delighted to represent O’Sullivan’s Centra Clarina and receive the coveted award at a gala ceremony attended by 360 guests at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire on Thursday, May 9 last.
One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Irish retail calendar, the National Grocery Management Awards is Ireland’s premier scheme for recognising and honouring individual 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.
John was quick to dedicate his win to O’Sullivan’s 55-strong team.
“It’s brilliant – this is down to them. We have an incredible team and I wouldn’t be anything without them. It’s great recognition for them and for the outstanding work they do each and every day,” he enthuses.
“There was a great buzz around the shop afterwards. Messages of congratulations were coming in from everywhere. I think some of our customers were just as excited as we were about winning the award!
“We don’t usually enter these things, but I’m delighted now that our food court manager Jeff Lynch nominated me. I’m going to return the favour by nominating him next year!”
It’s not the first time that O’Sullivan’s Centra has won a prestigious award. A few years ago, the store’s Food Safety Champion Tina Purcell was named Centra Person of the Year. John is full of praise for Tina and the rest of the management team which includes assistant manager Audrey Loughrey, deli manager Michelle Coleman, Caramico Pizza manager Eoghan O’Leary as well as supervisors Daniel Cusack and Aaron Stacey. And not forgetting store owner Brian O’Sullivan who gave John his big break in retail in 2013 before promoting him to the manager’s role five years ago.
“I knew nothing about retail before Brian took me on,” he reveals.
“I’ve learned so much since then and can’t thank him enough for the support he has given me. I had worked my way up to a supervisor’s role before being made manager. Brian had opened another Centra in Caherconlish which was taking up a lot of his time, so that’s how the opportunity arose.”
Offering the freshest food and providing the best service every day, O’Sullivan’s Centra Clarina is a one-stop shop for all your shopping, dining and fuel needs. From humble beginnings, it has grown to become a social hub and focal point of the local community.
“Brian started out selling fuel from a portacabin on the site of what was an old creamery. There is a plaque in the shop with two milk churns paying homage to this,” John explains.
“The site is about 10 minutes’ drive from Limerick city centre and is on the main road to Kerry, so it’s in a great location. There’s a lot of passing trade as well as an industrial estate and a secondary school nearby. We’re also right beside Ballybrown GAA club who we are proud sponsors of.
“Brian could see the potential and that led to him building what we have today.”
Married to Helen, Brian O’Sullivan began his retail career as a manager in Dunnes Stores. This was followed by a spell as a regional manager for SuperValu before he opened his first Centra store in Clarina in 2010. He subsequently opened two more Centras in Caherconlish and Doon before selling them.
Two years ago, Centra Clarina underwent a complete store revamp which brought an exciting new shopping experience to the local community. As well as doubling the floor size to 4,500 sq. ft., Brian developed the food court side of the business by introducing the renowned Roosters Piri Piri, Caramico pizza and Frank & Honest coffee brands. Offering customers fresh, healthy and affordable food that stays true to the traditional and authentic flavours inspired by authentic sub-continental recipes, Roosters Piri Piri and Caramico pizza are perfect options for a lunch on the go or to enjoy in the store’s large sit-down area that can cater for up to 60 people.
So big is the sit-down area that it is now regularly used for group meetings and social gatherings.
O’Sullivan’s Centra Clarina also boasts a Circle K filling station and forecourt, a large car park, a car valeting centre, a wash ‘n’ go laundry and even a dog wash facility which has proven to be a big hit with dog owners coming and going from Ballybunion Beach.
“During the revamp, we also expanded the deli to include a hot carvery dinner unit and grill for breakfasts as well as introducing Moo’d handcrafted Irish ice-cream. We cater for all our customers’ needs.”
Proud to support local, O’Sullivan’s Centra Clarina supports a wide number of local clubs, organisations and charities. The store sponsors Ballybrown GAA club, Breska Rovers FC, and Mungret Regional FC to name but three sports clubs, and also supports many local suppliers whose products they are delighted to stock and showcase.
“It’s our way of giving something back,” states the award-winning store manager, who concludes by thanking his colleagues, customers and suppliers for their continued support.
Opening hours are 6am to 10pm Monday-Saturday and 7am to 10pm on Sundays.
O’Sullivan’s Centra Clarina
Clarina,
Co. Limerick.
Telephone: 061 353 864
Email: [email protected]
First published in Grocery & Retail Ireland magazine Vol 3 No 2, Autumn 2024
