Mary Croughan has opened a new SuperValu store on Ballymahon Road in Athlone. The 10,000 square feet store represents a total investment of €5.3 million and the venture will employ up to 55 people in full-time and part-time roles.

Mary Croughan commented: “As an independent local retailer I am proud that I have the opportunity to invest locally by employing people from the Athlone area and sourcing from local suppliers, all of which will add to the overall shopping experience for our customers.”

Croughan Enterprises Ltd, jointly owned by Mary Croughan and John Croughan, booked a net profit of €3,000 in the year to April 2014. The company’s year-end net worth was €1.9 million.

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, said: “Today’s store opening demonstrates the strength of SuperValu’s independent community retail model, with this Athlone store owned and operated by local businesswoman Mary Croughan.”

Earlier this month SuperValu added a new outlet in Newbridge. The company said it is €18m in store developments in 2015. At the moment the multiple, operated by Musgrave Group, has 223 stores nationwide.

In Association with

Pictured with Mary Croughan and Martin Kelleher is Special Olympics gold medalist Shauna Stewart from Athlone