Hanlon’s Gala in Longford raises the bar with national award success
Hanlon’s Gala, Longford was named Ireland’s Best In-Store Off-Licence at the National Grocery Retail Awards 2026 in The Radisson Golden Lane Hotel, Dublin
Hanlon’s Gala in Longford is continuously raising the bar and store owner Patrick Hanlon has said he is ‘absolutely delighted’ after they were named Ireland’s Best In-Store Off-Licence at the National Grocery Retail Awards 2026.
The prestigious award recognises the store’s investment in its Distill off-licence and commitment to delivering an exceptional shopping experience.
Speaking about the win, Patrick Hanlon enthused, “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. We’ve invested significantly in our Distill off-licence because we wanted to create somthing different for our customers, offering greater choice, quality and convenience.
“We’re always looking at ways to improve our offering and bring something new to Longford. Earlier this year, we were proud to open the first Coffee Junction Cafe, creating a welcoming space for people in the local community to meet, relax and enjoy great coffee.
“To have our continued investment and the hard work of our team recognised on a national stage is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”
Patrick was presented with the award at the National Grocery Retail Awards (NGRAs), held on November 4 at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin.
Celebrating the stores and teams setting the standard for Irish grocery retail, the awards recognise excellence across Ireland’s grocery sector.
The win is a significant achievement for Patrick Hanlon and his team, following substantial investment in the store’s Distill off-licence, which has almost doubled in size and offers shoppers an extensive selection of wines, premium spirits and chilled beers.
The revamped off-licence features innovative Air Pillar technology, believed to be the first installation of its kind in Ireland’s grocery retail sector.
The technology allows customers to walk directly into a dedicated chilled beer room, offering an extensive range of ready-to-enjoy products while maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the wider off-licence.
Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, congratulated the store on its success, adding: “Patrick and his team at Hanlon’s Gala are a fantastic example of the ambition and commitment to excellence that exists across the Gala network. Their Distill off-licence demonstrates how continued investment, forward-thinking retailing and a real understanding of shopper needs can create a truly standout offering.
“Winning Ireland’s Best In-Store Off-Licence is a tremendous achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition for a store that continues to raise the bar in convenience retailing.”
The national win adds to an exceptional year for Hanlon’s Gala, which also became the first store in Ireland to introduce Gala’s new Coffee Junction Cafe concept earlier in 2026.
At the recent Gala Retail Conference, the Longford store was also recognised with a Gala Retail Excellence Award and claimed two prestigious titles, Gala Off-Licence of the Year and Gala Coffee Junction of the Year, further cementing its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading convenience stores.