Spar Magilligan celebrating prestigious win at the 2024 Countryside Alliance Ireland Awards

The owners and staff of Spar Magilligan are celebrating a prestigious win for Best Village Shop and Post Office at the recent 2024 Countryside Alliance Ireland Awards.

The accolade was bestowed upon the popular rural shop at the Northern Ireland Finalists awards dinner and ceremony at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on Monday March 25.

Spar Magilligan will now proceed to represent Northern Ireland amongst English, Scottish and Welsh finalists in the Village Shop and Post Office category in the National Champions Reception at the House of Lords in June.

George Canning, who owns the popular store along with Harry Canning, expressed his delight at being named Best Village Shop.

"It's great to have been named as the winner of the best village shop and post office at the Countryside Alliance awards,” said George.

“It was a bit of a surprise when we were first nominated so to go on and be named the winner is really great.

“I am so happy for all the staff as they all put so much work in and it is nice to see them get some recognition for all their hard work.

“It's also nice for the Magilligan area to get some recognition and it has definitely created a buzz in the area.

“Hopefully we can go one step further now and with a bit of luck win the UK finals!”

The Countryside Alliance Awards, now in their 17^th year, recognise rural businesses for excellence in their category, including best local food, best pub, best rural enterprise and best village shop/post office.

The top honours in each category are chosen from thousands of nominations facing a public vote and represent businesses who have gone the extra mile in their communities.

Spar Magilligan were the only winners selected from County Derry and faced stiff competition from businesses throughout Northern Ireland to grasp the top spot in their category.

George believes the friendliness and helpfulness of his staff was the key to winning the esteemed award.

“I think what made us stand out was the willingness to go the extra mile for all our customers,” he continued.

“We are very lucky to have great staff who are always happy to greet our customers and help them with everything they need."

The team at Magilligan Spar celebrated with a bespoke cake gifted to them by Spar NI.

Gary McCartney, Director of Countryside Alliance Ireland, said: “Running a business in a rural community isn’t easy, particularly in recent times.

“The evening was all about celebrating the valued role that these rural enterprises have in their communities.

“Their continuing promotion and defence of Northern Irish produce, skills and life deserves all the credit it gets.

“We at Countryside Alliance Ireland are proud to be honouring a group of people who are passionate about their countryside and passionate about providing quality goods, services and employment to rural communities and beyond.”

George was keen to thank everyone who voted in the awards.

“A massive thank you to all our loyal customers who voted for us over the past few months

“We wouldn’t have won without all your votes.

“Thank you also to our brilliant staff, they put in so much time and effort into the shop and it is them who make the shop what it is.

“It really is an honour to win this award and we are all very proud,” he added.