New butcher business creates up to 30 jobs

Up and running: Pat Whelan with Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na h-Eireann and Anne Marie O’Hara, General Manager, Dunnes Stores, pictured at the opening of James Whelan Butchers in Dunnes Stores, North Circular Road, Tralee.
Pictures: Don MacMonagle

CLOSE on 30 new jobs have been created with the opening of a new James Whelan Butchers outlet which is a key part of the redevelopment of Dunnes Stores on the North Circular Road in Tralee.

The family-run butchers’ newest shop, opened just in time for the Christmas season, is located in the fabulous new food hall which sees some of Ireland’s leading artisan food brands coming together under one roof.

Founded by James and Joan Whelan in Clonmel, the business is now under the stewardship of their son, CEO Pat Whelan, who is thrilled to be opening up in Tralee.

Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na h-Eireann cuts the tape to officially open James Whelan Butchers in Dunnes Stores, North Circular Road, Tralee. Also included are, from left, Tom Whelan, Tommy O’Connor, butcher, Anne Marie O’Hara, Store Manager and Pat Whelan and, at back, staff members Norma Lynch, Tracey Budd, Paudie Moriarty, Cosmos Muglase, Ian Gardiner, Peter Breen and Evan Owens

“We are so proud to be opening our new shop in such a vibrant town and in a county that is synonymous with great food, as well as being home to the Blas na hEireann Awards,’ he said.

“Already the response has been fantastic and we look forward to welcoming customers to our new home in Tralee,” said Pat.

Dunnes Stores North Circular Road Store Manager, Anne Marie O’Hara, said it is a very exciting time with the introduction of the new state-of-the-art food hall.

“Our team and our customers have been so looking forward to James Whelan Butchers opening up and we know that it will be a great addition to our offering here in North Circular Road and to the town,” she said.

Performing the official opening was a great friend of James Whelan Butchers, Artie Clifford, the Dingle based founder and chairperson of the Blas na hEireann Awards, which are considered the Oscars of the food industry and take place in Dingle every year.

“It’s an honour for me to be officially opening the James Whelan Butchers’ Tralee shop. The business has always been so supportive of our work with the Blas na hEireann Awards and it’s so great to now have one of their shops right on our doorstep in Kerry,” Artie said.

To find out more about James Whelan Butchers new Tralee shop visit www.jameswhelanbutchers.com.