The vivacious O'Connell brothers are as much a part of Cork's vital heritage as the City Hall!

"We've always been in the business. We used to come in before school to work" says Pat, who has inherited his mother's sharp wit, a wit which has seen him make many appearances on television. Indeed, for many food lovers, the repartee one enjoys at O'Connell's is as much a part of the fun of shopping here as the superlative quality of the produce.

"I'd work here all day, and sometimes I'd drive by night, sometimes all night ­ literally ­ and you could come back in here straight away the following morning and work all day," says Paul. "I've actually been in the business longer than Pat! ­ he was mad about school and went to college ­ I went straight in".

"I've always had a thing for it, every day after school. I just always loved it. I packed up school at 15 and I'm now 40 so that will tell you how long I've been in here, and I want to stay another 30 at least!"

Awards
Cork City Challenge Best Retail Shop Front 2002
Cork Business Association Cup 2002