Galway star Shane Walsh officially opens Mee’s Costcutter, Kilbeggan
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Staff members Caroline Mulligan and Carragh Gavin with Shane Walsh at the official opening of Mee’s Costcutter in Kilbeggan.Image 2 of 6
Sophia Callaghan, Ellen Joe McLoughlin and Muireann Robinson meeting Shane Walsh at the official opening.Image 3 of 6
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Shane Walsh officially opening the new Mee’s Costcutter shop on the Dublin road in Kilbeggan.Image 5 of 6
Shane Walsh officially opening the new Mee’s Costcutter shop on the Dublin road in Kilbeggan.Image 6 of 6
Staff at Costcutter Kilbeggan with owner Luke Mee (back) and special guest on the day Shane Walsh.Shane King
Costcutter officially opened in Kilbeggan on Thursday when Galway football star Shane Walsh was invited to cut the ribbon on the new-look store.
The well-known shop on the Dublin Road, known as the Winning Post, recently came under the ownership of the Mee family from the west of Ireland.
With extensive experience in the retail and bakery sectors, Luke Mee already owns and operates two outlets in County Galway, as well as a shop in Knockcroghery, County Roscommon.
“There’s a lot of work going on in the last few months, and thanks to everyone involved. The staff here didn’t want to leave when we changed over and so we’re lucky we didn’t have to go looking for new staff, and they’re all brilliant,” Luke said at the opening.
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice, a neighbour of Luke, was also in attendance and spoke of how Luke and his business partner, Pat Igoe, had invested in rural communities.
“Towns that were basically going backwards, Luke and Pat took a chance on and opened up shops in them. That’s someone in one area who is trying to create a few jobs, but taking a risk as well, because business isn’t simple at the moment right around the country. You have to persevere in it.
“All I would say is that I’d ask people to support him as much as possible. I know that people go to all different shops, but it’s important to keep employment in our local areas.”
Special guest, Galway footballer Shane Walsh, also emphasised the importance of supporting local businesses, adding that he is a regular visitor to Mee’s shop in Galway after training.
“It’s just so important to support local businesses, and we all need support in life, and so if it’s business or personal things, it’s always important to show support.”
On this year’s meeting with Westmeath in the football championship in Salthill, Walsh said it was an “unbelievable atmosphere” and that the sea of maroon and white resembled a homecoming for an All-Ireland-winning team.
“It’s lovely to get a nice reception coming into Westmeath… It was a great day for the maroon and white back in June. I know Galway probably got the rub of the green in the end.
"Running out on the pitch before the game, the atmosphere, and just looking around the stadium and seeing the maroon and white everywhere, it was incredible.”