McGuigan's Garage celebrates 70 years in business

McGuigan's Garage on Swatragh's Main Street has just celebrated seven decades of trading as a family business.

Tommy McGuigan opened the garage in July 1953 and the focus of the business was vehicle and tractor repairs and tractor sales.

From 1974 to 1997 the garage was signed with the Lada organisation. During these years they specialised in the repair and sales of Lada vehicles.

After 1997, the family expanded the business to be able to import and sell any make of vehicle.

After 70 years, the family continues to sell all makes of cars and commercial vehicles throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Speaking about the incredible milestone, the McGuigan family said they are proud of what they have achieved over the last 70 years.

"Growing the business hasn’t been an easy task," they said.

"As with any business there have been lots of obstacles to overcome but hitting milestones such as this makes it all worthwhile.

"We are a close family, so it is nice to be able to work alongside each other every day. 

"We now even have the third generation of the family working in the business -Tommy’s grandchildren. We enjoy celebrating the businesses successes together as a family."

The family say the secret to the success of their business is dedication.

"Without the hard work and dedication the entire team at McGuigan’s Garage has put in everyday over the last 70 years we wouldn’t be where we are today. 

"We have been fully committed to making the business a success over the last seven decades, it's not just a 9-5 when it's your own business- it's 24/7 but it's worth it as we are happy to carry on our father’s legacy. You get out what you put in."

The family wanted to thank not only every customer but their extended family's support.

They continued: "We couldn’t have done it without the immediate and wider family circle, their help and support has been very much appreciated. 

"A massive thank you to anyone who has worked for us or assisted us over the last 70 years, you are very much appreciated. 

"Obviously a huge thank you goes out to each and every one of our customers over the last 70 years, especially repeat customers.

"We can look back and see how much we have achieved and we know our father Tommy would be proud."