McKane’s Pharmacy on O’Rahilly Street enjoys a proud tradition in Ballina, celebrating its 100th birthday this year. Pharmacist Dorothy McKane is the third generation of her family to operate the business in the same premises that was established more than 100 years ago by her grandfather William J McKane.
However, instead of looking back, Dorothy McKane refuses to let these tough economic times threaten her business and has put the fun back into shopping. “It’s all about adapting to your customers’ needs,” explains Dorothy, who is delighted with the joy her customers get from McKanes’ weekly offers.
“Guilt-free shopping” is what Dorothy strives to provide for her loyal customers who travel the length and breadth of Mayo and beyond to avail of her fantastic offers.
Sunglasses offer
With the clocks going forward this weekend, and summer on the horizon, it is time to start thinking about fashionable and up to the minute eye wear. This week McKane’s has launched its sunglasses promotion which Dorothy McKane and staff are very excited about. For every €30 you spend in McKane’s you can choose a pair of free sunglasses valued between €15 and €30. With over 40 different types to choose from, it is time to head down to McKane’s to get fitted out with your free pair of summer 2010 sunglasses - guilt free.
The focus at McKane’s during these difficult financial times is value for money and that is what ensures its customers keep returning.
Stockists of all the top fragrances and with offers running constantly on big brands such as half price Clinique, Stila and Elizabeth Arden moisturisers, McKane’s slogan “better than duty free prices” rings true.
But Dorothy McKane is adamant that McKane’s would not be enjoying a thriving business in its 100th year without the backing of a very loyal team of staff. “We wouldn’t be here without them,” she stresses. And while McKane’s continue to “do the little things better” the business is sure to be around in another 100 years.
A quick look back
Although Dorothy is keen to look forward, without the foresight of her grandfather and a little help from Cupid, she would not be the proud owner of one of Ballina’s most recognised and long-standing businesses.
William J McKane, an Antrim native and Presbyterian, moved to Ballina when he fell in love with local girl Jenny Beirne. The pair were married, had three children, two boys and a girl — Archie, Conor, and Dorothy. However, tragedy took hold and both Dorothy and Conor died at the hands of whooping cough leaving behind their elder brother Archie.
Eventually Dorothy’s father Archie followed in his father’s footsteps and qualified as a pharmacist. He took over the family business. After graduating in 1982 Dorothy returned to Ballina where she worked alongside her father until his death in 1994 at age 83.
Now Dorothy McKane is the friendly, smiling, face of McKane’s, one of Ballina’s most recognised and long-standing businesses. While she has revamped the store over the years, some of the original mahogany features have been retained and have earned architectural awards.
After a few minutes in Dorothy McKane’s company her love of her business and her passion for pleasing her customers becomes very apparent. That is why this Ballina business continues to thrive and grow. It is down to Dorothy McKane’s basic understanding of what her customers want and that is guilt-free shopping at bargain prices.
So why not drop into McKane's on O'Rahilly Street, Ballina, pick up €30 worth from their range of great offers, and walk out with your free pair of sunglasses?
