We recently caught up with Club Rossie Business Member Ray Gannon of Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry, Tullyleague, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon (a very important detail!).
Ray, why did Gannon’s Eggs and Poultry become a Club Rossie Business Member?
We are very proud Roscommon people and this area, down here in Carrick on Shannon, is the “last line of defence” – throw a stone any day from our top window and it will land in Co. Leitrim. As a small club (speaking of Shannon Gaels) in Co. Roscommon we are punching way over our weight with no less than six business members in Club Rossie. Our commitment and support to the Roscommon GAA cause is unquestionable!
What has been your most memorable moments supporting Roscommon?
We have had some fantastic memories over the years. I was brought to my first match in Croke Park in 1974 as a young raw 10 year old in short trousers, it was a league final against Kerry that went to a replay. 1978 Was a fantastic year for Roscommon with the seniors and U21 playing Kerry in Hyde Park. The All-Ireland U21 victory sowed the seeds for the achievements over the following years. The 1979 League Final win over Cork and the build up to 1980 Senior Final was very special.
We have travelled many miles over the years in search of the Holy Grail. The Connacht Final win over Galway in Pearse Stadium this year was well overdue and a sweet victory. It gave a sense of achievement to a younger generation that had never witnessed Roscommon football at its peak.
If you were the next GAA President what’s the one thing about the Association that you’d change?
The allocation of Tickets for All-Ireland Final tickets. It galls me to hear that some people who have no interest in Gaelic Games just want to be there for the big occasion and occupy a seat that a lifelong GAA supporter would cherish for the day.
Tell us a bit about your Business
Gannon’s Eggs & Poultry, which is now in it’s fourth generation, was established in 1879 by my Great Grandfather Michael Gannon.
We now serve all towns within a 40 – 50 mile radius of Carrick on Shannon and also sell into Dublin city. Through our involvement with the Super Valu Food Academy our products are available in the following Super Valu stores throughout Roscommon including Duffys in Ballaghaderreen, Kelly’s in Boyle, Cahills in Castlerea, Flemings in Roscommon town and Glancys in Carrick on Shannon. The Food Academy gives small producers a big chance.
Who is the most fanatical Roscommon GAA Supporter who know and why?
I have to mention four great Rossies: Paddy Joe the Barber is unique. The men with the hats, Kevin Farrell from Elphin and Willie Tiernan from Boyle. Also our famed photographer from Ballaghaderreen Mick McCormack.
Finally, if your company was a Roscommon GAA Player who would it be and why?
The late great Dermot Earley RIP. He would possibly be the President of Ireland now if he was still with us.
To find our more about Gannon’s Eggs range of products or to place an order visit gannonspoultry.com , call 071 9620070 or 087 2526196 or email gannonspoultry@eircom.net