Much-loved Mayo family business marks its golden jubilee

A much-loved Mayo family business is celebrating a remarkable 50-year anniversary.

Oliver Kelleher Castlebar Ltd is half a century in business this year.

Founded in 1976, it has grown from humble beginnings from a garage in the family home to a hugely successful operation.

The company is one of the top hospitality, catering, and hygiene supply businesses in the region, while the Trophy Centre arm of the business continues to thrive. The Moneen site also incorporates All Affairs, an equipment hire and fancy-dress store.

Founded by Oliver Kelleher, and his late wife Mary, their daughters Sharon and Sinead, and Sharon’s husband Brendan are at the heart of this cherished family enterprise.

“It all started out in the house, and we just got used to having people around and knocking on the door,” said Sharon.

Sharon and Sinead remember one episode where a regular customer anxious to collect medals after a match rocked up at the house with a full football team in tow.

“The lads were all out playing football on the street while Mum was trying to get us to bed,” the girls laughed.

“The same man would often come in and have the dinner in the house. You would come home and there would be no dinner left because he ate it!” said Sharon.

That generosity of spirit remains in the business.

“It’s just what we grew up with,” said Sinead.

Their late mother Mary was the “backbone” of the business.

“She would look after the paperwork and the day-to-day, allowing Dad to focus on sales and being out on the road,” said Sharon.

Their Mam gave up a coveted position with Mayo County Council to run the business with Oliver.

“Mam was the first female county librarian in Ireland. She gave that up to start the business with Dad,” said Sinead.

The Kellehers never stood still and opened Gifts Supreme in the heart of the town and moved to their Moneen premises in 2000. Mary passed away the same year.

“She was a big part of the construction and the systems that were put in place but she never got to work here,” said Sharon.

Working with family can have it’s up and downs but the Kelleher’s are incredibly tight knit.

“Brendan helps keep us sane!” joked Sharon.

“The trick is to say nothing, and keep saying it,” laughed Oliver.

The Kellehers credit amazing staff and customers as the key to their longevity.

“We have always had really good staff, customers and suppliers. Those relationships are so important and we all pull together,” said Sharon.

“There are three secrets to every business success. Bring in customers, look after them, and bring them back. If you do those things, you have a good chance of survival. If you fail on one of them, you fail on all of them,” said Oliver.

He said customers have stayed with them for generations.

“There was a woman in here yesterday and her mother started buying stuff off me in 1973 and she said to me, “My mother always said, “Make sure you keep dealing with him.” 

The straight-shooting entrepreneur said he would often learn from the errors of others.

“I made more money sitting on my arse watching other people do things wrong than I did from working!

“I always tried to move with the times, and the important thing is to sell the things that people want, not what you want to sell,” said the Leitrim native.

The gregarious businessman has never been publicity shy and he has dabbled in media over the year, writing a weekly column for both the Connaught Telegraph and Western People. He also published an engaging and very entertaining memoir in recent years.

Oliver and his family never rested on their laurels even in trying economic times.

“In 50 years, we probably had about 40 recessions!” he joked.

“Every day there could be a recession, but you didn’t stop to think about it,” Oliver added.

The business hosted an open day to mark the anniversary which was packed with well-wishers, loyal customers and friends.

“We’re enjoying the memories, the laughs, and the people who have been part of the journey,” said Sharon.