This article is from page 28 of the 2011-09-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 28 JPG
TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Ennis’ best-known families who are celebrating 50 years in the bakery business.
Pat and Mary O’Connor opened their first shop in Ennis, in 1961. Today, there are eight O’Connor’s Bakeries, which supply quality breads and confectionary to Ennis, Shan- non, Gort, Galway and Limerick.
At the September meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Tommy Brennan (Ind) proposed that the Council officially congratulate and recognise O’Connors on achieving the milestone. Cllr Brennan said the family had been good employers in Ennis and in other towns and had done an enormous amount of good work without seeking attention or acclaim.
“These people deserve to be recognised,” he added. Seconding the motion, Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) described the O’Connor family as “quite hardworking people”.
He said the business employs between 140 and 145 people. Cllr Meaney said the family had implemented a good business model that other businesses should consider following. Councillors also backed pro- posals from the Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Michael Guilfoyle (Ind) for a Citizen Recognition Awards Scheme.
According to a report prepared by Town Clerk Eddie Power the objective of the scheme is to recognize local people/organizations who have made a significant contribution to community life in Ennis or by their actions raised the profile and image of Ennis.
Nominations will be sought from the public in five categories: (a) sport/recreation (b) community/volountary (c) business/professional (d) youth (e) arts and culture.
Councillors decided against selecting an overall winner. An adjudication panel comprised of councilors will decide who will be honoured in each category. The awards will be presented at a civic event.