New opening plans for local Galway business which closed after 40 years
The business has been closed for just over a month but it’s looking like it could be getting a new life as something else
One Galway business which closed in August after 40 years serving their local community could be opening as something new.
Plans submitted to Galway County Council shows that permission has been sought for a coffee shop on the grounds of what was once Woodford Nurseries and Garden Centre.
The establishment on the Portumna Road shut for good on August 1 with owners John and Martina Keon saying that it was one of the “toughest decisions they ever had to make”.
Despite closing the doors, speaking to Galway Live, John had hoped the site would have a future once again.
He said: "I want to thank each and every person who has supported us. There is a future in everything, no matter what you are doing in life. I would love to see this place open again. That's our dream."
We sat down with the couple for an interview to hear about the history of the business, how it grew over the past 40 years and the health reasons that led to the difficult decision to close.
We also spoke with long serving staff members Fabiani Moreira and Catherine Hanley about their experiences working at the garden centre.
Originally from Brazil, Fabiani joined the business at just 16 years old with little English and has remained a vital part of the team for the past 20 years.
Catherine first came to the business on a Transition Year work placement in 2021 and is now in her sixth year in Woodford Nurseries and Garden Centre.
Both reflected on the camaraderie and the fond memories they will take with them and what it has meant to be part of the Woodford Garden Centre family.
Speaking to Galway Live, on the garden centre's final day in business, John Keon reflected on how Woodford Garden Centre grew from humble beginnings into a destination that attracted customers from across the region.
John's journey began in 1984 when he started working as a machine driver at Mike Lycett's Nursery. Although he had little knowledge of plants at the time, he quickly developed an interest in the industry.
Within months, he was selling plants at local markets before taking on a role travelling across multiple counties selling wholesale to garden centres.
After gaining experience and building relationships with customers, John and Martina began selling plants from their home in 1986.
"We started buying in some stock and selling it from the house here. We built on it and added on as we went along. I had built up a customer base from the markets and sure, the rest is history."
Over the following four decades, the business expanded steadily, attracting customers from Galway, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Offaly.
"As we got bigger and better, people came from all over. We had people travelling from Clare, Limerick, Nenagh, Birr, Oranmore, Loughrea, Portumna, Athenry and many of the surrounding villages."
John said the decision to close was driven by ongoing health issues after doctors advised him to step away from the demands of running the business.
"Due to illnesses I was told and advised to pull back completely. When I got sick the last time in February, I was warned not to take on any more pressure or work. We decided then that we would finish out the season at the end of July."
He paid tribute to the staff who helped make the business a success, giving special thanks to Fabiani Moreira and Catherine Hanley.
"We have to thank all the staff through the years. We had the best of them. Fabiani has been with us for 20 years and Catherine is going on her sixth year. They have been the rock of this place."
John also thanked the suppliers who supported the business throughout its 40-year history, saying many had become trusted partners and friends.
"Our suppliers have been very good to us over the years. They trusted us, gave us credit and looked after us. Overall they have been very good to us."
John and Martina Keon thanked customers and workers alike both past and present who had made the business what it is and said “from the bottom of our hearts, thank you all. You will always be a part of the Woodford Garden Centre story”.
The Keons said in a statement on their site: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we share the news that Woodford Garden Centre, as you know it today, will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday August 1 after 40 incredible years.
“We have come to the heartbreaking conclusion that it is time to step away.”
They continued: “As we reflect on these four decades, our hearts are filled with gratitude and so many cherished memories. We want to extend our deepest thanks to our wonderful customers near and far, both past and present.
“Your loyalty, kindness and continued support have been the foundation of our journey and the reason we have been able to thrive.
“A very big thank you to the amazing community of Woodford for standing by us through every season. Your encouragement, friendship and support have meant the world to us. This business has never been just about plants and gardening - it has been about people, relationships and being part of something truly special.”
The Keons finished: “We would also like to sincerely thank our valued suppliers and reps from all over for your trust, partnership and dedication throughout the years. To our past and present staff, and a special thank you to Mary, Fabiani and Catherine for your hard work, loyalty and heart.
“You have been a huge part of our story and we are so grateful for everything.
“To our family, our friends, the schools, businesses and communities in all the counties - thank you. Your belief in us has made everything possible.”