Healthy Haven wins Best Presented Shop Front in Thurles

This year, Refresh Thurles Tidy Towns continued with the very successful Best Presented Shopfront Competition.

This initiative has been running for the last seven years, and an independent judge observes all shop fronts in the town and provides useful and constructive feedback on how we can improve the appearance of our town.

Every year, one business is awarded the Kathleen Wright Perpetual Trophy to recognise their efforts to improve the external appearance of their property. Kathleen Wright, a former supervisor with Thurles Municipal District Council made a big contribution to the appearance of our town and Kathleen’s contribution to our town is remembered through this competition each year.

Tommy Barrett of Thurles Tidy Towns outlines the success of this competition:

“We are delighted to be in a position to run this competition again this year, and we thank the judge for the efforts made in compiling some very useful feedback that is helpful for shop owners, thelocal council and The Thurles Tidy Towns Committee.

I wish to congratulate this year’s winner.

“Healthy Haven, who are very deserving winners.”

Judges Feedback -The Winner:

“The outstanding winner for 2024 has to go, Healthy Haven.

“This family-run business is in operation for over 16 years. Located in Liberty Square.

“Healthy Haven has a strong business presence in the town.

“The colour choice of Healthy Haven stands out but also complements the beautiful architecture the building has to offer.

“Clear signage and menu board show what's on offer in Healthy Haven with a variety of food options, including vegan and gluten-free, there is something for every taste and dietary requirement.

“The business has gone from strength. This health food store has expert advice on hand and advice on all products, providing Natural Organic Health Foods with natural beauty products, cosmetics, eco cleaning brands and branching into delicious homemade food deserts and ice cream, concentrating on vegetarian, gluten-free and plant-based goods.

“Healthy Haven has it all, with a cafe and an amazing menu to top it off. Congratulations again to all the team at Healthy Haven.

“Thurles has rolled out and promoted the Heart of Our Town Campaign showcasing the best of what the town has to offer.

Supporting business, in keeping our town alive and creating an identity for the wider community to be proud of.

“Liberty Square is looking very inviting with the town centre housing cafesbars, boutiques, supermarkets, shops and restaurants with outdoor dining and parasol seating on the main pedestrian area, and also private beer gardens and hidden eating areas at the rear of many of our establishments across the town.

“The planted hydrangeas, lavender and large brightly coloured flower planters enhance the town centre and are visually pleasing for both visitors, passing traffic and for locals.

“Many shops are also adding to their premises, providing hanging baskets, flowers, plants and visual displays.

“The Premier Hall is one location where the community has come together and dedicated their own time to erect handmade planters with an array of flowers. The schools, anda wide variety of community groups in the parish.

“Also have taken on summer painting schemes and maintenance programmes, having all finished in time with the onset of the new term ready for September.

“The addition of murals around the town and visual art and many businesses have looked at the whole aesthetic of the buildings, taking special care of the upper levels over the last few years, which has created clean regenerated spaces with full-on property potential for Thurles Town and accommodation becoming available again within our town centre.

“Friar Street and West Gate are showing so much potential. The building works and refurbishment while upgrading the buildings will provide both shop spaces and private accommodation, bringing families back into the heart of our town.

“Baker Street is still vibrant and stunning as always, with premises providing outdoor dining and seating with canopies and street furniture for a quick coffee or a bite to eat.

“This all adds to the retail experience in the town and the convenient car park makes for easy access to the town centre.

“The competition again proved quite difficult as the retail standards and innovation of all the businesses involved have succeeded the standard of 2023.”

Full caption: Pictured L-R: Yuri Dunne (Healthy Haven), Stephen Shanahan (Healthy Haven), Tommy Barrett (Thurles Tidy Towns), Sharon Scully ( Thurles District Administrator), John Lanigan( Thurles Tidy Towns) and Nikki Doherty (Healthy Haven)