'We have four generations of families in here' - Laois pharmacy marks 70 years in business
The popular Mullany's pharmacy, based in Portarlington is celebrating 70 years in business.
For seven decades, Mullany's Pharmacy has been a familiar fixture on the streets of Portarlington, serving generations of families while adapting to the changing world of healthcare.
This year marks the pharmacy's 70th anniversary, a milestone that reflects not only the longevity of the business but also its deep connection to the local community.
Also celebrating a personal milestone is pharmacy technician Beirne, who is marking an impressive 50 years working at the pharmacy.
The business was founded in 1956 by Paddy Mullany, a native of Boyle, Co. Roscommon, alongside his sister Frankie.
Frankie later married a local solicitor, while Paddy married Breda, a Portlaoise native, helping to establish the family's long standing connection with the locality.
Having spent half a century in the business, Beirne has witnessed just how much both the pharmacy and the profession have evolved.
Over the years, the shop itself has undergone three major refurbishments and has expanded well beyond dispensing prescriptions. Today, alongside its pharmacy services, customers can browse cosmetics, fragrances, jewellery, baby gifts and skincare products, reflecting the changing needs of shoppers over the decades.
While the range of products has transformed, Beirne believes the biggest changes have come in how pharmacies operate.
Years ago, customers would arrive with handwritten or printed prescriptions in hand. Today, technology has streamlined the process, with prescriptions now sent electronically from anywhere in the country.
"If somebody is in town and they're short of medication, their prescription can be emailed to us," she explained. "Years ago people would physically hand in their prescription. The emails have made a big difference."
Despite the advances in technology, one thing has remained constant, the pharmacy's close relationship with the people of Portarlington.
Beirne says the business has had the privilege of caring for multiple generations of the same families, with grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren all passing through its doors over the years.
"We have three and four generations of families coming in here," she said.
Some customers have been visiting the pharmacy for decades, including their oldest loyal customer who is now 94 years old.
Beirne believes that commitment to the local community has played a major role in the pharmacy's success, but she gives most of the praise its founders.
"Both Paddy and Breda were brilliant employers," she said. "They really looked after the staff."
That supportive approach is reflected in the loyalty of the team, with many employees having worked at the pharmacy for more than 20 years.
The milestone was celebrated over the weekend with a special anniversary event at the recently renovated Market House. Live music, beauty demonstrations from bPerfect cosmetics, skincare demonstrations, refreshments and in store discounts attracted large crowds throughout the day.
"It was absolutely amazing," Beirne said. "We had a full shop all day."
As Mullany's Pharmacy celebrates 70 years in business, Beirne says the team is so grateful for the continued support of the local community.
"We would just like to thank all the customers over the years for supporting us so well," she said. "If we can help our local clubs or anything like that, we're always happy to."