JJ Burke Car Sales celebrates 50 years in business

JJ Burke Car Sales in Ballinrobe is hitting a major milestone – they are celebrating 50 incredible years in business! They will mark this amazing achievement on Friday, March 22, with a full day of celebrations in their Ballinrobe dealership. Midwest Radio will be there from 11am to 1pm to get the party started. It will be the perfect opportunity for customers, friends and local businesses to call in and join the Burke family mark this special occasion.

Their story started in 1974 when John Joe and Helena Burke, armed with nothing but their entrepreneurial spirit, opened their own garage on Abbey Street. Fast forward to 1985, they moved to a bigger space on the Claremorris Road, setting up a new garage complete with a showroom, offices, and a workshop. The very day they opened their new doors in 1985 was the same day Knock Airport welcomed its first flights. Since then, their dream of a community focused business has grown, becoming the bustling hub it is today, now proudly run by their three grown up children, Karen, Joseph, and Pauline.

Joseph Burke, dealer principal, can hardly believe the journey. 

"Fifty years is a huge deal, and it's an honour to carry on a legacy that's so well-regarded in the motor industry and in Mayo. I am working in the business since 1998 with Karen joining in 2000 and Pauline the following year in 2001. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says. 

His sister, Pauline, also dealer principal, reminisces about the garage's humble beginnings and how proud she is to steer the ship with her siblings. And of course, John Joe and Helena are still the guiding stars, offering their wisdom and support when needed.

"We've faced our share of challenges," John Joe admits, "but our resilience is thanks to our incredible team and the unwavering support of our customers." 

He's particularly proud of seeing his children take the lead. He also gives a special shout-out to long-standing team members Michael Shaughnessy, who is just short of 40 years working as a mechanic and now a savvy technician in their growing workshop. Along with Mike, Gerry Donnelly, financial controller, is with the business 23 years, and the Burke family regard Gerry as one of their own having contributed in many ways to the business.

Karen, Joseph and Pauline remain committed to maintaining the high standards set by their parents, with a focus on affordability, reliability, and top-notch customer service. 

"Our team is everything," says Karen Burke, dealer principal. “Their dedication is what makes JJ Burke Car Sales stand out."

Mum Helena added: “Joseph, Pauline and Karen eat, sleep and breathe the business. They are always on the other end of the phone, whether it is a Monday or a Sunday, day or night. They work really close with all the staff who I am most grateful for as they are really the backbone of the business.” 

As they gear up to mark their 50th anniversary, JJ Burke Car Sales are also celebrating the community that's supported them through the years. They are kicking things off with a special all-day event on Friday, March 22nd, with music, fun, giveaways, and lots of memories from the past.

The celebration continues through the weekend with fantastic deals on all their new and used vehicles.

Today, thanks to continuous growth and innovation, JJ Burke Car Sales stands as one of the largest car dealerships in the West of Ireland.

For more details on their 50th anniversary celebrations, drop a line to JJ Burke Car Sales, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, call 094 95 02000, or email info@jjburkecarsales.com.