Gala retailers, suppliers, and wholesale members gathered together in Killarney for the Group’s annual conference, which was themed ‘Delivering the Difference’. The conference featured inspirational speakers and, reflective of the theme, the event was also home to Gala Retail’s Excellence Awards, which acknowledged retailers from across Ireland who are delivering the difference.
In the morning session, Irish International rugby player, Bernard Jackman, spoke on high-performance teams, and Geoff Ramm, the inspirational customer service speaker, featured on the bill.
Speaking at the conference, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, revealed that Gala Retail has gifted its retailers over €100,000 in Gala Greener Grants, helping retailers to transition to energy-efficient and sustainable retailing of the future. Already cutting CO2 emissions by 110 tonnes – the equivalent of removing 112 cars from the road – this marks the start of Gala’s €500,000 commitment to energy-efficient upgrades across Ireland. Launched 18 months ago as part of Gala’s ESG strategy, the programme has supported retailers in installing solar panels, upgrading refrigeration, and improving insulation, underscoring Gala’s commitment to a greener retail future.
Alongside its sustainability focus, Gala Retail continues to innovate across marketing, technology and in-store experiences to support retailers and drive shopper engagement. This year saw the launch of the Group’s own ‘Ireland’s Best Baker with Gala Retail and Virgin Media’ initiative – shortlisted for two upcoming Irish Sponsorship Awards – along with a series of creative campaigns and in-store footfall drivers that captured consumer attention. Gala has also invested heavily in IT efficiencies, introducing a state-of-the-art EPOS system that unifies store data to identify trends, regional insights and opportunities for growth. With AI-led efficiencies now being explored, Gala is helping retailers futureproof their operations while continuing to deliver new concepts that enhance the customer experience and boost sales.
Throughout the day, the conference was expertly compered by sports broadcaster, Jacqui Hurley, with evening entertainment delivered by Bernard O’Shea, Rob Heffernan and Pat Spillane. Over 60 Gala Excellence Awards were presented to retailers across the business that were deemed ‘outstanding’ following a comprehensive and independent assessment process.
“The Gala Retail annual conference is a real highlight of the calendar for us as it’s when we get to ensure our retailers get the recognition they deserve,” explains Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail
“Each award is thanks and recognition to our retailers and their teams for their loyalty, hard work and dedication to quality convenience retailing.
“Our theme at this year’s conference was ‘Delivering the Difference’ and our award-winning group of modern, innovative retailers make a difference to their shoppers and communities every day.”
Following the afternoon trade fair, the event culminated with a Gala dinner in which Gala Retail named its category award winners of the year – those stores that demonstrate exemplary standards in specific areas of convenience. Among the winners were McGuire’s Gala, Rooskey for Community Initiative of the year, Cooney’s Gala in Coachford for excellence in Customer Service, Hanlon’s Gala in Longford for Distill Off License of the year and Harkin’s Group, Donegal for Brand Champion. Bakery supplier, O’Brien’s Ingredients, was named as Gala Retail’s Supplier of the Year.
Celebrating its 11th year as a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala retailers and suppliers were joined by VIP guests at the evening event – five Special Olympics Ireland athletes from Kerry Stars Special Olympics club. Joining athletes, Jane Curran, Cliona Palmer, Siobhan Looney, Eric Dian and Joe Buckley was the new Special Olympics Ireland CEO, Karen Coventry, who’s in charge of preparations for the biggest year in the Special Olympics calendar – the Ireland Games – which are taking place in Dublin next June.
The Gala Retail annual conference delivered the difference. Retailers travelled from across Ireland to celebrate all that they have achieved, learn from other retailers and meet with suppliers at the trade fair.
As one of the most progressive convenience groups in Ireland, Gala stores continue to benefit from national expertise, coupled with local wholesaler support and a store model, which ensures that every Gala store is designed to deliver to its local community’s requirements.
Gala Category Award winners:
Fresh Food winner – McDermott’s Gala, Patrickswell
Audrey Kelly, Gala Retail with John McDermott and Declan Fennelly from Tirlán
Bakers Corner winner – Murphy’s Gala, Kanturk
Audrey Kelly, Gala Retail with Irene Murphy and Darren Savidge, O’Brien Ingredients
Chilled Retailer winner – Nicholson’s Gala, Keel
Audrey Kelly, Gala Retail with Sandra Nicholson and Kevin Fitzgereald, Aryzta Food Solutions
Store manager of the year – Michelle McDonagh from Gala Cill Chiaráin, Connemara
Audrey Kelly, Gala Retail, Michelle McDonagh and Deirdre Kennedy, K&K Produce
Community Initiative of the year – McGuire’s Gala, Rooskey
Audrey Kelly, Gala Retail, John & Francis Maguire and David Melinn, BAT
Off Licence winner – Hanlon’s Gala, Longford
Tony Cluskey, Gala Retail, Patrick Hanlon and Redmond Gavin, Comans Wines
Social media of the year – Dolan’s Gala, Tullamore
Tony Cluskey, Gala Retail, Tom Darcy on behalf of Dolan’s Gala and John O’Connor, Tayto Snacks
Marketing of the year – Mulrooney Group
Tony Cluskey, Gala Retail, Paula Mulrooney and Brian O’Shea, JTI
Coffee Junction winner – Manor Forecourts Gala, Raheen
Tony Cluskey, Gala Retail, Mark Lacy and Edwin Addison, Matthew Algie
Customer Service of the year – Cooney’s Gala, Coachford
Tony Cluskey, Gala Retail, Ronan Cooney and Peter Slattery, Britvic
Special Merit award winner – O’Shea’s Gala, Blennerville
Gary Desmond, Gala Retail, Kieran and Mary O’Shea and Colm Redmond, Coca Cola HBC
Brand Champion of the year – Harkin’s Group, Donegal
Gary Desmond, Gala Retail, Paul Harkin and Eoin Kellet, Mondelez
Supplier of the year – O’Briens Ingredients
Peter Savage, Gary Desmond, Jason O’Brien and Darren Savidge