CONGRATULATIONS HAVE poured in from around the world for Wexford town family business Greenacres, after it recently received the distinguished titles of Ireland’s Store of the Year and Specialist Food / Wine Store of the Year 2017.

The awards, presented to James and Paula O’Connor, Jacqueline White and Julie Barlow at the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards 2017, signal a huge boost not only to the Selskar store but also to trade in Wexford town generally.

The sell-out ceremony, which took place in Galway, was presented by the inimitable Hector Ó’hEochagáin and attended by retail industry executives as well as Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor and Wexford County Council Chief Executive Tom Enright.

Jubilation rang out as Greenacres was named National Store of the Year and Mr. Enright and the four core team members excitedly bounded onto stage, alongside the MC and Minister, to celebrate.

“For once in my life I was completely dumbstruck,” Mr. O’Connor told this newspaper.

“When I collected myself I said it was for my family and my staff.

“I love Wexford, I love Greenacres and I love Ireland.”

The businessman has dedicated the awards to his family and staff and said “it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our staff… we have the most amazingly committed, loyal, staff.”

The committed and innovative team at the fine food and wine business was commended by the national retailers’ network for creating a shopping experience where “customers can enjoy quality products and customer service in an environment that inspires them.”

Beaming with pride as the reality sunk in that his business had finished first from hundreds of initial entries, Mr. O’Connor said the recognition “means so much to us all.”

“For a town of this size it’s absolutely brilliant.”

The O’Connor family has been retailing continuously on Wexford’s Main Street since before 1860.

Read more in the Wexford Echo.