Business leaders from across North Down recently motored to the Donnelly Group’s Bangor showroom to hear from local sporting legends Pat Jennings and Willie John McBride.

The Donnelly Group, Northern Ireland’s largest independent new and used vehicle retailer, threw open the doors of its Green Road location to facilitate a breakfast and networking event for local business leaders.

Following a hearty breakfast from H&J Carnduff butchers, sports journalist and broadcaster Adrian Logan hosted a panel discussion with two of Northern Ireland’s most revered sporting greats – Pat Jennings, who represented Northern Ireland in six World Cups and is recognised as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and Willie John McBride, who holds the record for the most appearances for the British and Irish Lions having Captained one of the most successful Lions teams in history.

Raymond Donnelly, Director at Donnelly Group, said:

“After what has been a difficult period for businesses navigating through the Covid-19 pandemic, it was our pleasure to welcome local businesses into the showroom for our first event of this kind since restrictions have eased.

“We were honoured to be in the presence of Northern Ireland sporting heroes – Pat Jennings and Willie John McBride – who both spoke of the importance of resilience, tenacity and strength throughout their competitive careers. This was of great relevance to our guests as these very attributes are what have brought local businesses out the other side of the pandemic.

“The parallels of sport and business are undeniable with success in both fields stemming from determination, perseverance, and an unwavering desire to be the very best.

“As many industries rebuild and recover following the pandemic, now is the time for local businesses to support each other, and we are very pleased to have connected local business leaders, many of whom we hope can forge fruitful partnerships in the future.”

Synonymous with the motor retail industry in Northern Ireland for over 75 years, the Donnelly Group opened the Bangor showroom in 2018 taking its total number of locations across the province to nine.

The Bangor location, which is conveniently situated at the entrance to Green Road just off the Newtownards Road, comprises a Citroën showroom and a Donnelly Motorstore through which customers have access to over 1500 approved used cars and vans from various manufacturers.

Paul Compton, Site Director at the Donnelly Group’s Bangor location, said:

“Our Citroen and Motorstore offering has been warmly received by customers in the North Down area who recognise and appreciate our extensive experience and knowledge along with our commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

“With nine locations right across Northern Ireland, we have access to a huge range of used vehicles at any one time, all of which can be viewed and reserved online with delivery to any of our showrooms.

“At Donnelly Group we have very loyal customers who know they can trust us for our honest advice and our excellent range of vehicles which suit any budget so it has been great to see so many familiar faces in the showroom for our Sporting Legends event and of course to welcome all the new faces also.”

Paul and the team at the Donnelly Bangor location are ready to assist with the showroom open 6 days a week with late night opening on Thursday evenings.

Through the Donnelly Group’s wider network, motorists have access to vehicles from 18 leading manufacturers including Fiat, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

For further information, please visit donnellygroup.co.uk