Ireland’s top retailers and brands gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire last night to attend the prestigious ceremony. Now in their 22nd year, the C-Store Awards are the only comprehensive and independently judged business accolades for the convenience store sector.

Together with returning master of ceremonies Marty Whelan, ShelfLife welcomed more than 400 guests from across the retail industry. A total of 26 awards were presented, celebrating the industry’s finest stores and people in a diverse range of categories.

Platinum sponsors, Mark Hargadon, commercial director, Aryzta Ireland (Cuisine de France) and Jim O’Connor, national field sales manager, National Lottery, presented Spar Kenmare with the Supreme Champion Award.

The judges said of the national winner: “Spar Kenmare offers the finest range on hot and cold deli, well stocked and well merchandised grocery range. The hot bread fresh sandwiches and fresh cakes are excellent to have with the Insomnia coffee range or just sit and enjoy a fresh ice cream from the Smooch range. A modern and bright store with pricing controlled by electronic POS, this forecourt was found to be spotless on all our visits and deserving of the highest accolade.”

Commenting on the dedication required to win a C-Store Award, ShelfLife publisher John McDonald said: “Once again, our judges were extremely impressed with the calibre of entrants across the country. All the winners should be extremely proud of themselves, their teams and the levels of service offered. It is this professionalism which has led to Ireland’s convenience store being viewed on an international stage as the standard to which others aspire.”

Following the tragic events that occurred in the village of Creeslough, Co. Donegal, on Friday, 7 October 2022, a minute’s silence was also held on the night as a mark of respect to all those affected. Throughout this immensely challenging and painful time, the strength and teamwork of this close-knit community has been truly inspiring, and the judges therefore felt it fitting to award the Champion of the Year Award 2022 to Nearby/Applegreen, Creeslough.

Working closely alongside the local community and the Diocese, the Lafferty family and the team at S&W Wholesale opened a store on Friday, 11 November next to St. Michael’s Church to bring back much-needed services and essentials into Creeslough, with local jobs being supported. “We stand in awe of the efforts and dedication of everyone involved; an example to us all, and we are honoured to present Nearby/Applegreen, Creeslough with the Champion of the Year Award,” the judges said.