​Kathleen’s Fashions celebrates 30 years!

Kathleen and Mattie Connelly with their niece Kathy Daly.

Despite the difficulties of the past few decades - Kathleen’s Fashions on Dunlo Street celebrated 30 years in business this year. A testament in some measure to the owner Kathleen Connelly who has had to be resilient and adapt to change. She has said this achievement has “surpassed my expectations considering the downturn in 2008 and changing times regarding fashion and online shopping for the past number of years.”

Hailing from the Parish of Killimordaly – from a family of five brothers and one sister, Kathleen is married to Mattie Connelly and living in the neighbouring parish of New Inn/Bullaun. The store is run by Kathleen who works full time, alongside her part-time staff and nieces Kathy and Colleen who are an enormous help and support.

The business was originally opened in September 1992 opposite Haydens Hotel which was very successful, and businesswoman Kathleen decided to move to a larger premises in Dunlo St in 2013.  Prior to that Kathleen worked for many happy years for Irene and Harry Lyne in O'Beirne's Gift Shop whom she says were an incredible support to her.

In recent years, businesses had to be quick and adapt to change. Kathleen says “It was difficult going through both the Town Enhancement and Covid closures, but it taught me to be resilient and the importance of social media and Shopballinasloe.ie which are brilliant platforms and a great help to all businesses. I am grateful to be part of ShopBallinasloe initiatives and we accept the Ballinasloe Town Vouchers.”

The shop currently has special offers which include 40% off Joseph Ribkoff and 50% off Occasionwear.

To celebrate their accomplishment of 30 years in business they had a wonderful evening of food, fashion, and Fun in the Shearwater Hotel and Spa organised by the Fair and Festival Committee which they were delighted to be part of, thanks to many local ladies who showcased their Autumn/Winter Collections.

Currently in store they have labels ranging from smart casual to dressy available in sizes eight to 26. They also stock Italian label Peruzzi, Robell trousers & jeans, Marble Knitwear, Castle knitwear, Lighthouse Rainwear, Normann Coats and Jackets, Christina Felix coats and jackets, Brandtex Jeans and Knitwear, Sunday Knitwear, Coco Doll Dresses, Kate and Pippa Tops, Dresses and Jumpsuits, as well as a beautiful range of Absolute Jewellery, scarves, wraps and handbags.

Opening of larger shop on Dunlo Street

Shop owner Kathleen has this advice for anybody considering starting a new business:

“Find a niche in the market and do your research!  You must enjoy what you are doing, and I feel blessed as I really enjoy what I do and love styling all my clients."

​”I would like to thank my many valued customers for their friendship and support over the years, special thanks to my staff for their dedication and help, my family for always being there for me and lastly my husband Mattie for his unwavering support and for being my rock from day one”, concludes Kathleen.​

Fashion Foward - Kathleen's Fashion in its original spot!