McCauley's chemist opens its doors at Connolly Street

McCauley's is Ireland's largest indigenous pharmacy chain and their Cavan branch is the 28th store to open and the first north of Dublin. Executive chairman, Sam McCauley, was present for the official opening and he told The Anglo-Celt they had almost 600 people employed across the company and further expansion was planned. "We are delighted to be here in Cavan and we will provide a top class medical, health and photo services." While he admitted that it had been a difficult time for everyone in the retail sector he was glad to say they had maintained their revenue. "We have abolished the mark-up on private prescriptions and we deliver value to the customer," he claimed. He stated that their operations manager, John Keavney, a Cavan Town native, had pressed the county town on them. Mr McCauley added: "It is a bustling town." McCauley's was found by the late G. B. McCauley in 1953 in Enniscorthy. Sam took over the running of the company in 1978 along with his wife Lesley. In addition to the full range of over-the-counter and prescription medicine, the pharmacy also carries a variety of high-quality products. The pharmacy also has an extensive selection of cosmetic and beauty products. Managing Director, Patrick McCormack, claimed they had been looking at Cavan for the past six months. It was John who pushed us on the matter and he said it was well worth looking at. "It will be a very busy store once the primary care unit run by the HSE next door opens." The Cavan store employs eight people but they hope to expand that in the future, Mr McCormack states. He joined in 1991 and according to Sam has driven the growth of the company. Operations Manager, John Keavney, puts the success of the company down to having "a very competitive business and prescription model". He is thrilled that Cavan was chosen as the first store to open north of Dublin. Originally from Moynehall, John attended St. Pat's and joined the company in 2002. He believes the town has great potential and McCauley's want to be part of that. The store will be open seven days a week until Christmas from 9am to 6.30pm. At the moment McCauley's are offering up to 50% off on a lot of Christmas gifts sets, while they also have a free €10 gift voucher offer for every €50 spent in the store. Martin King, a native of Armagh, is the pharmacist in the new Cavan store.