Best Family Business was Erne Motor Works, Cavan. From left: Loreto McMenamin, Martina Fitzpatrick, Gerard Kelly, Kelly Rahill & Co, sponsor; Imelda Smith and Mary Fitzpatrick.

Best Family Business: Erne Motor Works

The winners of the Best Family Business at this year's Anglo-Celt Business and Tourism Awards were Erne Motor Works...

Erne Motor Works (EMW), Cavan’s main Toyota dealership has been in business for over half a century, currently employing 26 people.

Hugh and Mary Fitzpatrick established the business in Belturbet in 1971, successfully procuring the Toyota agency in 1973.

Mary’s brother, Pete Reilly joined the team in 1976, working closely with Hugh and Mary to build the business and, in 1985, expanded to their Toyota premises on the outskirts of Cavan Town, whilst continuing to operate from Belturbet, now under management of son-in-law, Paul, with Margaret, Mary’s sister in administration.

As general manager and salesman for over 40 years up until his retirement in 2019, Pete was an integral part of EMW. Under his leadership, Toyota was Cavan’s number one selling car brand for 20 years running!

Hugh and Mary are still at the heart of the company, with four of the next generation, Dara, Martina, Enda and more recently Mary Jnr all heavily involved in the running of the business.

Sean Brogan (recently retired) provided tremendous service and loyalty for over 40 years. Loreto Mc Menamin has worked with the company since the early days in Belturbet and, with 46 years of experience, is to this day a valued member of the team.

EMW are surrounded by a dedicated team, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years including Tom Maguire, sales manager (35 years); Neal Sweeney, senior sales executive and in the Aftersales area; Noel Millar, Jonathan Jones, Patrick O’Shea, Stephen Smith and Barry Brady.

The Fitzpatrick family and dedicated team at Erne Motor Works pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service and are grateful to have so many loyal customers returning over the years.

Newly appointed sales & finance administrator, Imelda Smith, nominated the company for this award.