End of an era as Connolly’s Spar to close after 27 years

End of an era as Connolly’s Spar to close after 27 years

3 April 2024

THE closure of Connolly’s Spar shop in Downpatrick in two weeks’ time marks the end of an era.

After serving the community for almost three decades, owners Martin and Fiona Connolly are closing the Edward Street business.

The doors close for the final time on April 18 with the move coinciding with the opening of an ultra-modern Eurospar store nearby.

The finishing touches are currently being put to the store constructed at the site of the former St Patrick’s Boys’ Primary School site at St Dillon’s Avenue.

Connolly’s Spar currently employs 20 staff and Henderson Retail – which will operate the new superstore set to open at the end of this month – has confirmed that 17 staff members will move to the new retail unit, as well as an additional 50 new jobs being created.

Martin and Fiona took over the store in 1997 and, over the years, have made major investments including two significant refurbishments, with the biggest in 2006 to bring top quality products and services to the community. 

Alongside store staff, the couple has always had the community at the centre of their store, often supporting local schools including Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary, St Mary’s and De La Salle High School. 

The store team also fundraised for charities and supported local community groups and organisations such as the Fountain Foodbank.

“We want to thank all our staff, past and present, for their hard work and dedication over the years, and helping the store become such a big part of the local community,” said Fiona.

“We also want to extend a huge thanks to our shoppers for supporting us over the past 27 years. We have loved serving this community and it has been a pleasure to see friendly faces in-store every day and get to know everyone so well.”

Fiona added: “We will miss working in the Downpatrick community and wish all our staff the best of luck with their move to the brand new store.”

The Henderson Group’s sales and marketing director, Paddy Doody, described Fiona and Martin as “dedicated retailers”.

He continued: “We wish to congratulate them on a successful 27 years of Connolly’s SPAR. 

“They are much-loved by the local community and passionate about their shoppers, supporting charities and local schools in Downpatrick. They will be greatly missed by all in the local community.”

Mr Doody said the new Eurospar community team will be dedicated to making a positive difference throughout the Downpatrick community and the store will continue to support various local charities and community groups.

The new store will also bring a huge supermarket offering including a hot food-to-go counter serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Devlin’s local butcher counter and a Texaco fuel site. 

Fresh Delish favourites will be available for shoppers with the Delish Bakery offering freshly baked goods every day, and the Delish production kitchen where meals will be prepared in store, as well as everyday essentials and a focus on value for shoppers. 

Although leaving Downpatrick, Fiona and Martin will continue to run Connolly’s Vivo Essentials in Strangford alongside their son Aidan.