Retirements herald 'new chapter' for popular Laois filling station

Two of the best known filling station operators in Portlaoise are retiring and stepping away from the day-to-day running of their family business after over four decades.

Kevin and Maeve Bracken are retiring from Bracken’s Gala on the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise.

It will be the first in 43 years that Kevin will be at home instead of working on both Christmas eve and St Stephen’s Day.

“I wanted to go out while I am enjoying what I do. The one thing I will miss is meeting the customers,” Kevin said.

“I am not sad. I did my time and I am getting out while I am enjoying it,” he remarked.

“We had a great time in the business, a great family business. My mother was in on the last day, she is 91… she is delighted to see me retiring,” said Kevin.

Although Kevin and Meave are retiring, the business will remain in the Bracken family ownership. It has been leased to M&P O’Sullivan, a fourth generation family run wholesale and retail business from Cork.

Kevin revealed he had moved into a house in the heart of Portlaoise a number of years ago having lived in Ratheniska prior to that. He is delighted with the move and said he now has everything at his doorstep.

He’s looking forward to his retirement and is making plans for his spare time. They include walking the Camino, visiting relations in New Zealand and possibly hiring a camper van and spending some time in Australia. Kevin said his phone has been hopping since he announced plans to retire and he was touched by the warm message from customers and ex members of staff.

Staff at Bracken’s Gala on the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise posted an emotional notice on facebook wishing Kevin and Maeve well in their retirement.

“After what has been an emotional few days, today marked the end of a very special chapter in the history of Bracken's, as Kevin and Maeve stepped away from the day-to-day running of the family business to begin their well-deserved retirement,” staff at Bracken’s posted on social media on Wednesday.

“It's a bittersweet moment for everyone who has been part of the journey, but above all, a time to celebrate everything they've achieved over the years.

“The story of Bracken's began over 50 years ago with Tom (T.C.) Bracken and his wife Nancy, who laid the foundations for what would become the Bracken's we all know today. From its humble beginnings as a small family shop, the business grew and changed over the years, becoming a well-known and familiar name in Portlaoise.

“Kevin and Maeve carried on what Tom and Nancy had started, dedicating so much of their lives to the business. Through years of hard work, dedication and determination, they built on those foundations and helped shape Bracken's into what it is today.

“For so many people, Bracken's has been part of everyday life. A familiar face behind the counter, a friendly chat, a place where generations of families have come through the doors.

And for those of us lucky enough to have worked here, it's been more than just a job. It's where friendships were made, lessons were learned, plenty of laughs were had and memories were created that we'll carry with us for years to come.

“Kevin and Maeve, you have given so many people opportunities over the years, and we hope you both realise just how much you've achieved and how many lives you've been a part of along the way.

“As Bracken's begins a new chapter, the history of the Bracken family will always be part of its story.

“From all of us, past and present, thank you for everything. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter and many wonderful years ahead as you enjoy your well-deserved retirement. With love and best wishes, All the staff at Bracken's.”