Divilly's Celebrating 70 Years: The Divilly Family Business Marks a Remarkable Milestone. Join Valerie Hughes on The Wagon Wheel this Saturday as we mark this great milestone for Divilly's Carry Out store in Dunlo Street, Ballinalsoe. The Divilly family is proud to celebrate 70 years in business — a testament to hard work, loyalty, and community support. On Saturday, November 1st, the store will host a day of celebration, featuring spot prizes, finger food, and wine. It promises to be a heartfelt occasion honouring the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the future.
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for one of Ballinasloe’s most cherished family businesses — 70 years since Willie and Anne Divilly first began their journey together in trade and community service. From humble beginnings in 1955, when the couple rented a small shop on Dunlo Street (where Tina’s Hair Gallery now stands), the Divilly family’s story has been one of dedication, growth, and enduring local spirit.
Willie Divilly, originally from Currantarmid, left home at just fifteen and a half to “serve his time” in Galway. He began his career at Garavans of Galway as a grocery assistant, earning a stellar reputation and reference by the age of nineteen. Following in the footsteps of his sister, Dev Gullane, he moved to Ballinasloe, where he worked with Raftery’s Grocery on Society Street. It was during this time that he met Anne Geraghty of Jubilee Street — the beginning of a lifelong partnership in both love and business.
After marrying in 1956, Willie and Anne set out to build their business together. In 1966, they purchased O’Connor’s Pub across the road from their first shop and opened Ballinasloe’s first supermarket, proudly trading under the VG banner. The Divillys were also innovators, becoming the town’s first pasteurized milk delivery agents, bringing convenience and quality to the community they loved.
Following Willie’s passing in 1984, Anne continued to manage the family business alongside their children — Dominic, Áine, and with invaluable help from their sister, Mairéad. Another son joined in 1987, ensuring that the business remained truly family-run.
When Anne passed away in 2004, the family adapted once more, converting the shop into an off-license. In 2009, they joined the Carry Out franchise, part of the Barry Group in Cork — a partnership that remains strong today. Despite challenges such as the Big Dig in 2018–2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Divillys’ resilience and community spirit saw them through.
The loss of a beloved staff member, June Hurley, in 2023 was deeply felt by all who knew her. Her warmth and dedication remain a lasting part of the store’s story.
The Divilly family extends their deepest gratitude to the people of Ballinasloe and beyond for seven decades of loyalty and friendship — and they look forward to celebrating this special day with all who have been part of their remarkable journey.
