Mayo star officially opens new Enable Ireland store in Castlebar

The new Enable Ireland store in Castlebar was officially opened this weekend.

Castlebar residents, plus VIP’s including Mayo footballer Matthew Ruane and children who attend Enable Ireland services, gathered to mark the opening of the charity’s new shop on Main Street.

The new charity shop opened with a vibrant community celebration in which locals were treated to live music, a golden ticket treasure hunt, and a generous 10 percent discount off items in the shop. Fifteen-year-old Ruairi Craig, from Knockmore, Ballina, who attends Enable Ireland services in Mayo, was joined by Mayo football star, Matthew Ruane, to cut the ribbon and officially launch the new shop.

For 25 years, the Castlebar store was located on Hopkins Road, and now, has relocated to larger premises on Main Street, offering even more pre-loved, new, and vintage treasures.

Enable Ireland has provided community-based services to children and adults with physical disabilities and their families in Mayo since 1992. 

_{Ruairi Craig and Matthew Ruane cut the ribbon at the new Enable Ireland shop in Castlebar, pictured with Mary Hynes and Gretta Hughes manager (Photo: Michael Donnelly)}

Commenting on the launch of the new shop, Matthew Ruane called it a ‘pleasure’ to accompany Ruari in opening the new shop. 

“Enable Ireland has been making a positive impact in Mayo since before I was born. They provide vital support services to those with disabilities in our local community. Their new charity shop on Main Street is well worth browsing and by buying an item in the shop you’ll be supporting these services too,” he continued.

In Mayo, Enable Ireland runs a Connected Home Support and transport service for children with disabilities. The service provides individual in-home support and group respite sessions. It also provides a transport service to bring children to and from activities in the local area. 

Approximately 80 children living in Mayo avail of the service, which is based in McHale Business Park. 

All of the profits from the Enable Ireland shop on Main Street support these services.

Suzanne Doocey, Outreach Respite Manager, Enable Ireland Mayo Children’s Services said:

“The children from our services had a fantastic time at the Castlebar launch party. Enable Ireland charity shops, like the one here on Main Street, Castlebar, play an important role in ensuring we can continue to deliver our services.

“We are very grateful to the customers who support these services by regularly shopping at the Castlebar charity shop,” she added.

Enable Ireland’s Castlebar charity shop opening event included entertainment for all ages and light refreshments. Those in attendance had the opportunity to have their photo taken with Mickey Mouse, while jellies and bubbles were handed out to children. 

Local businesses supported the launch of the new charity shop by donating vouchers, which lucky attendees won by taking part in a ‘golden ticket’ hunt. The afternoon’s entertainment was topped off by live traditional music from local musicians, Sean Healy and Friends.

 Mary Hynes, Enable Ireland Area Manager, was ‘delighted’ to have officially launched the new store. 

“A huge thank you to our neighbours, the residents and businesses of Castlebar, who turned out to support the opening of our new shop. It was a fun-filled afternoon. Our team of staff and volunteers worked hard to put this event together, and I think that showed,” said Ms Hynes.

The shop on Main Street is open Monday-Saturday, 9.30am – 5.30pm.

Visit the Enable Ireland website to find out more.