*Photograph: James Treacy
A TUAMGRANEY store and service station which closed suddenly in September has been acquired by new owners.
At an online auction on Friday last, what was formerly Niland’s Gala Store and 24/7 service station was purchased for a fee of €820,000. The property was described as a “substantial forecourt in a high profile location”.
22 people were employed at the premises at its peak which had a sit-down area for takeaway dinners, a service station, grocery store and off licence.
Tommy Bleach originally opened the store in the 1980s, it was operated by the Bleach family until the 1990s when it was sold to A&M retail stores.
Galway based husband and wife, Mike and Amie Niland owned the store for eleven years up until the appointment of a receiver.
The Clare Echo understands that Inver Energy or Maxol did not acquire the service station. Crowe’s Retail who have stores in Mountshannon, Quin, Kilkishen, Sixmilebridge, Bunratty and Nenagh have confirmed they were not bidding on the property.
Founder and owner of Supermacs, Pat McDonagh has been linked as a potential buyer along with Circle K. The Galway native is aware of the popularity of the store having previously had a Supermac’s outlet there.
