We recently caught up with Club Rossie Business Member Neil Connaughton of Connaughton Fuels, Athleague and Roscommon town.
Neil, why did you become a Club Rossie Business Member?
“I’m very optimistic about the future of Gaelic Games in Roscommon and like the Club Rossie motto I believe that the best is yet to come! I felt that by becoming a Club Rossie Business Member I could contribute to the development of the teams. It also gave me the opportunity to meet with like minded business people.”
What is your most memorable Roscommon GAA Moment?
“The 1980 All-Ireland Football Final. I was seven at the time but it was a day and an experience that I will never forget.”
Who is your favourite Roscommon player of all time?
“It has to be Pat Lyndsay. He was tough but fair on the field and also a gentleman to work with.”
Tell us about your Business
“We originally opened a Supermarket in Athleague in 2001 but with the arrival and growth of the multiples (big Supermarkets) to Roscommon town we knew that we’d need to diversify in order to survive. We began stocking Coal, Briquettes, Seasoned Logs, Kindling and Gas and gradually built up that side of the business.
By 2016 we had outgrown the premises in Athleague and opened a depot in Roscommon town. We now employ 12 staff and deliver to retail and wholesale customers all over the country. We recently forged a link with the Musgrave Group to supply some of their
Centra stores.”
Finally, if you were elected the next GAA President what is the main thing about the Association that you would change?
”I’d look at ways to give the grassroots members a greater say in decisions made at national level. I’d also try to build greater links with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.”
To find out more about Connaughton Fuels’ range of products, or to place an order, call 090 666 33 11, visit connaughtonfuels.ie or drop in to their Depots in Athleague or in the Roscommon West Business Park, just off the Circular Road in Roscommon town.