Eileen takes the reins at no.74
DANIEL Nelligan, owner of Mrs Nelligan’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, announced over the Christmas period that he had reached an agreement which will result in the premises continuing to trade as a bakery, coffee shop and delicatessen at 74 Main Street, Castleisland.
There has been a Nelligan’s bakery in Castleisland since 1945, and the premises at 74 Main Street has operated as a bakery and coffee shop since 1982.
Daniel and his wife, Louise, had operated the business at 74 Main Street since January 2010. Having moved from Castleisland to Laois five years ago, their decision to move on was not unexpected, with their daily involvement in the Castleisland business having been curtailed in recent years.
Knocknagoshel native Eileen O’Connor has recently commenced trading there and has carried out decorative and organisational changes before re-launching this week as Eileen’s Bakery, Coffee Shop and Deli.
“Since we made the announcement, we have been inundated with lovely messages, calls and texts over the last number of weeks, and we appreciate them all,” said Daniel Nelligan.
“We are very grateful for all the business and friendship we have enjoyed over the last nine years. I am delighted that Eileen has decided to set up business. I have known Eileen as a superb chef for a number of years and, in fact, Eileen worked with us as a baker for over five years.
“She has lots of culinary experience and some great ideas, and I look forward to visiting and eating in her newly revamped premises in the future.
“It is satisfying to know that she will retain the best of what we had to offer on the menu, and also I am delighted that she has retained the colleagues who trained and worked with me for her new endeavor.
“I wish her every success and have no doubt her business will be a huge addition to the town,” said Daniel.
Commenting on her new venture, Eileen O’Connor said she is looking forward to getting started so early in the year. “I have a good team working with me and have had great support from family and friends. I’m looking forward to putting my ideas into practice.”