Mayo car dealership celebrating 50 years
JJ Burke Car Sales in Ballinrobe is hitting a major milestone - they are celebrating 50 incredible years of business.
On Friday, March 22, they will mark the achievement with a day-long bash and it's a chance for customers, friends and fellow businesses to swing by and share in this amazing milestone with the Burke family.
Their story started in 1974 when John Joe and Helena Burke, armed with nothing but their entrepreneurial spirit, opened up their own garage on Abbey Street.
Fast forward to 1984, when they moved to a bigger space on the Claremorris Road, setting up a new garage complete with a showroom, offices and a workshop.
The very day they opened their new doors in 1985 was the same day Knock airport welcomed its first flights. Since then, their dream of a customer-first business has only grown, becoming the bustling hub it is today, proudly run by their children Joseph, Pauline and Karen.
Said Joseph Burke, dealer principal: “Fifty years is a huge deal, and it's an honour to carry on a legacy that's so well-regarded in the motor industry and in Mayo.
“I am working in the business since 1998 with Karen joining in 2000 and Pauline the following year in 2001. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We are family to the core.”
Pauline, reminiscing about the garage's humble beginnings, said she is proud to steer the ship with her siblings. And of course, John Joe and Helena are still the guiding stars, offering their wisdom and support.
John Joe said each decision taken over the years, from acquiring franchises to expanding the showroom, was a step towards building something special. Today, thanks to continuous growth and innovation, JJ Burke Car Sales stands as one of the largest car dealerships in the west of Ireland.
“We've faced our share of challenges,” said John Joe, “but our resilience is thanks to our incredible team and the unwavering support of our customers.”
He's particularly proud of seeing his children take the lead and gave a special shout-out to long-standing team members like Michael Shaughnessy who is just short of 40 years working as a mechanic and now a savvy technician in their growing workshop. Along with Mike, Gerry Donnelly, financial controller, is with the business 23 years, and the Burke family see Gerry as having contributed in many ways to the business.
The Burke family remains committed to maintaining the high standards set by their parents, with a focus on affordability, reliability and top-notch customer service. “Our team is everything,” says Karen, highlighting the dedication that makes JJ Burke Car Sales stand out.
As they gear up to mark their 50th anniversary, they are also celebrating the community that's supported them through the years. They are kicking things off with a special all-day event on Friday, March 22, with music, fun, giveaways, and lots of memories from the past. It's going to be a blast, and they would love for you to join them throughout the day.
The celebration continues through the weekend with fantastic deals on all their new and used cars.
The business is also celebrating having been honoured with the prestigious title of Retailer of the Year at the Small Firms Association (SFA) Awards - an achievement that highlights the company's commitment to excellence in the retail sector.