Mick Kelly is congratulated by customer Pat Gilbert after being declared ‘Best Shopkeeper’ in Ireland on the Ray D’Arcy radio show.

“MICK IS the type of guy who when dropping off some groceries or just passing by, could end up bleeding your radiators, checking your tyre pressure or any other random job you may need help with. He will drop everything to be there when needed, no fuss, just does what needs to be done.”

An apt description of Mick Kelly, and the kind of enterprising praise that won Mick Today FM and Bord Gais Energy Best in Ireland Award for ‘Best Shopkeeper’ at an uplifting ceremony on Friday morning that was broadcast live on The Ray D’Arcy Show.

Great support was shown for Mick’s nomination when the local primary school, Scoil Aodán Naofa, Carnew, invited Mick into the school on Thursday to present him with a card signed by all of the students where he was greeted by an electric atmosphere with over 200 children chanting his name.

Conor Pope presented the Best Shopkeeper Award to Mick at the awards ceremony attended by Mick and his wife, Sheila, accompanied by his nominees, friends and customers, Kevin McEvoy and Lorna Doran.

Mick was overwhelmed at winning the award and speaking to Ray D’Arcy, said that the people of Carnew are a fantastic community to work with, that he has a fantastic team behind him in Candy’s and that it is a privilege to go to work in Carnew.

Full story this week in THE GOREY ECHO.