On Friday September 5, McElwee Pharmacies celebrated their 50th anniversary in Mountmellick.

The remarkable anniversary was celebrated with an event at the Hare’s Corner, where loyal customers were invited to join the Laois business in their celebration.

Jim McElwee began the evening with a speech, sharing the history of how he and his wife Mary came to Mountmellick.

Pictured: Peter McElwee & Leona Gorman at the 50th anniversary celebration. Photos by Denis Byrne

"Jim had worked as a pharmacist in the healthcare unit at Guinness in Dublin, and Mary were looking for a shop in the Midlands when they found Mountmellick," their son Peter McElwee, Managing Director of the business told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

The couple purchased the premises on the north corner of O’Connell Square following the passing of Walter “Watty” Walshe. Mr McElwee opened the shop on the 2nd of September 1975, coinciding with his third wedding anniversary, and warmly welcomed the community into their business.

"The early days were challenging with long hours and few customers, but Jim built a strong reputation for always being available, a good listener, and a capable veterinarian pharmacist," Mr McElwee said.

Pictured are Tom Dunne, Helen Walsh, Rachel Dunne, Breda Wilson, Chloe Doyle, Miaread Kavanagh & Jo Drum.

"In 1980, he expanded by purchasing Pim’s department store on the west side of the square. This new location included a children’s clothes store managed by Mary, nursery goods, a toy store, and, of course, a pharmacy and veterinary department."

In time, the building showed its age, prompting another move. In 1990, Jim relocated by purchasing then retiring Patrick Murphy’s pharmacy on the southern corner of the square. The year 2000 saw further expansion and Peter McElwee joining the business, and by 2004, Peter bought the business in full from his parents Jim and Mary. 

Under the junior Mr McElwee's leadership, the business grew with the addition of two more premises in 2006 and 2008, expanding their capacity to serve their customers even more effectively.

Photo: Peter McElwee, Tom Dunne, Breda Wilson and Gemma Wilson

"The success of McElwee Pharmacies owes much to their dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the company since the 1980s," Mr McElwee praised.

Jim and Peter expressed their gratitude, particularly acknowledging long-serving staff members Helen Walshe, Assunta Healion, Ann Fitzpatrick, Jo Drumm, Breeda Wilson, and Helen Kearney.

A special moment of the evening was Peter McElwee presenting a bouquet and gift to Breeda Wilson, who retired that day after 39 years with McElwees, marking their first retiree.

Mr McElwee also extended heartfelt thanks to their loyal customers for their unwavering support over the years.

He specifically thanked Dermot Donaghy, the supervising and managing pharmacist at the Connolly Street store, who is also married to Roz McElwee, and Liam Dunne, who recently purchased the Portlaoise store.

Pictured: Peter and James McElwee with Anne Fitzpatrick

He concluded the evening by raising a toast to Breeda, the staff, and most importantly, their customers.

Jim continues to work a few days each week in the O'Connell Square store with Peter and Marta as associate pharmacist there.

"We have a lasting father and son working combination and friendship, having worked 25 years together. It is a privilege in itself. Here's to 50 years more!" Mr McElwee finished.

For more pictures from the McElwee's 50th anniversary celebration, see the Tuesday September 16th edition of the Leinster Express.

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