ONE of Ireland’s oldest family-owned drinks distribution businesses, John J. Galvin & Son Ltd., celebrated 150 years in business at a commemorative dinner in the Listowel Arms Hotel, Listowel, on Saturday night.
The evening was hosted by fourth generation proprietor John Galvin and his wife Breda, and celebrated a journey that began with a £32 annual lease on a licensed premises in Listowel in 1876 and today operates a business, stocking more than 1,000 product lines, employing 30 staff and serving pubs, hotels and restaurants throughout Kerry and Limerick using its own fleet of 15 delivery vehicles.
Mc’ed by well known local publican, journalist and author, Billy Keane, the evening was attended by 150 guests, including current and past employees, suppliers and business partners.
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The event opened with the premiere of a specially commissioned commemorative short film which documents business milestones over the past 150 years and guests then enjoyed a four course dinner with specially selected wines.
Bringing the evening to a memorable close was a captivating piano performance by the highly accomplished musician Áine Hurley.
At the 150th anniversary celebrations of John J Galvin & Son in the Listowel Arms Hotel on Saturday night (13 June) were centre John and Breda Galvin with their sons (from left) Jack, Mark and Conor Galvin. Photo: JK KelliherSpeaking at the celebration, John Galvin, Managing Director; “It is a privilege to celebrate 150 years in business, a milestone that is a testament to the generations who came before us and to the people who continue to contribute to our success today.
Our staff are at the heart of this business. Collectively, our current team of 30 employees represents more than 600 years of service, and I would like to sincerely thank them for their loyalty, professionalism and dedication over the years.”
“We are also deeply grateful to our customers, whose support has sustained us across generations. Their loyalty has enabled us to grow while remaining an independent family business rooted in the local community.”
John and Breda Galvin with the original £32 annual lease for a licensed premises in Listowel, dating from 1876. Photo: JK PhotographyAfter dinner, presentations were made to long serving employees, Nelius Collins, Mike Quinn, John Broderick and Mairead Lynch who personally has 50 years unbroken service with John J. Galvin & Son.
In an unscripted surprise on the evening, the staff represented by Kevin Enright, Eugene Quinn and Sandra Donovan presented John and Breda Galvin with tickets to Carmen the Opera, a specially commissioned decanter set and flowers.
