Flynns of Lackagh, based in Turloughmore, Co Galway, has over 170 years’ experience in the food and agricultural industry since its opening by Thomas Kearney in 1842.

The business has come far, growing from a bar and small grocery store to a large SuperValu supermarket, hardware and agribusiness, which employs over 75 people from the local area.

The location also hosts a wide range of associated businesses for the area, including a pharmacy, a post office, a bar and a health centre, to name but a few.

Flynn’s of Lackagh was passed down to Emma and Julian Flynn in 2008, who took over from Julian’s father, Tomas Flynn – a very successful businessman. The business has grown year after year to meet the needs of this close-knit community in Galway.

Emma and Julian stick to their motto of offering great value and exceptional customer service across their whole business. They also believe in shopping locally and helping provide local and Irish producers with a sustainable livelihood.

The Flynns have been recognised for the contribution they make to their community and in April 2012, Julian was presented with the corporate social responsibility award by then-mayor of Galway Phil Hogan.

Julian and his father decided to further expand the business in 2001 when they built a 10,000sq ft SuperValu supermarket right beside the old building. Flynn’s SuperValu has since gained a reputation as one of the leading supermarkets in the west of Ireland.

The Flynn family didn’t stop there and in 2006, Julian and Emma decided to set up Topline Hardware & DIY Store. Together, they built a team of well-trained and dedicated staff to provide quality customer service and value for money.

Because Flynn’s is located in the west, an area with a large farming population, it established Flynn’s of Lackagh Agri Supplies to provide farmers with the highest-quality products and brands to maximise their performance.

It also provides a team of friendly and dedicated staff who are highly qualified to offer farmers advice or answer any questions they may have. It produces its own cereals under its own brand, as well as stocking a large range of animal feedstuffs from the likes of Connolly’s Red Mills and Lakeland Dairies. Fertilizers are supplied from Gouldings, Yara and Grassland Ireland.

Flynn’s and its dedicated team work hard to ensure the business grows from strength to strength within the community and from the looks of the EIQA Supreme Quality Awards, they have been rewarded every year since 1990.