McElhinneys founder John McElhinney has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award from his home business community at the Ballybofey & Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce awards. The first-ever local chamber awards took place last night in Jackson’s Hotel, with amazing achievements and customer services efforts of all local businesses honoured throughout. A highlight of the night was the unveiling of the Twin Towns’ first Lifetime Achievement Award.
The McElhinneys team stepped out in style to celebrate the accolade and said: “This award and recognition is truly a very special award. Not only to John, Eileen, Martin and Angela, Catherine and Joe and his beautiful grandchildren and General Manager Sandra – but to every single member of staff that has worked within McElhinneys and to each and every customer that has passed through our doors or shopped online.” “From the early days in the van to Glenfinn street, Options and now our home on Main Street.
“Thank you to each and every one of you for the last 52 years and for all the years to come.” The department store also picked up the title of Retailer of the Year. Originally from Doochary Co.
Donegal, John McElhinney and his family moved to Dooish in the early 1960’s. John began his career as a drapery assistant in a local store and from this experience he started his entrepreneurial venture travelling and selling groceries, clothing and household items from the back of a Dodge van. 1969 – John McElhinney an.