Ratoath forecourt retailer does the double

A total of 30 forecourt and convenience retailers from across Ireland battled it out at the sixth annual Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer Awards (IFCR) 2011, at Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel - where 13 category winners were revealed before the overall winner was crowned Ireland's Forecourt Retailer of the Year 2011. For the second year in a row, Spar/Maxol Fairyhouse, Ratoath, won Best Site with a Licence to Sell Alcohol, sponsored by Jacob's Creek Independent judge Jill Beasant of Spotcheck commented: "What a gem of a store with a great range of wines and spirits. The off-licence area was beautifully presented and staff were knowledgeable and helpful - I was very happy with my purchase." Speaking at the awards ceremony, Francis O'Leary of Spar/Maxol Ratoath said: "It means a lot for us to win. It's the second time in a row for us after winning it last year and it shows that we definitely are doing something right. I would like to thank all our hard-working team and customers for their loyalty." Innovation, new ideas and new developments are an essential part of successful retailing in today's ultra-competitive, fast-moving retail environment. The Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retail Awards are Ireland's only specialist awards for the forecourt industry and provide an essential showcase for the country's very best retailers. It helps raise industry standards in the forecourt and convenience retailing industry throughout Ireland by recognising excellence and rewarding professionalism in the retail sector.