ShopBallinasloe.ie has been awarded the Business Community Spirit Award at the People of the Year Awards Ceremony held at The Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe. The awards celebrate individuals, groups, clubs, and businesses who make a real difference in the community across sport, culture, volunteering, and business.
Founded in April 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, ShopBallinasloe.ie was created to help local businesses get online, stay trading, and remain visible during an incredibly challenging time. Within just three weeks, the platform was up and running, enabling local businesses to sell vouchers, products, and services online – many for the first time.
In November 2020, ShopBallinasloe launched the Town Voucher Ballinasloe (TVB ), a community gift voucher now accepted in over 120 local businesses to date. The scheme has generated over €500,000 in local spending, keeping money circulating right here in Ballinasloe.
Now celebrating five years in operation, ShopBallinasloe.ie has:
Retained over €500,000 in the local economy through online sales and Town Voucher purchases
Helped over 120 local businesses transition into e-commerce, reaching new customers locally and worldwide
Enabled businesses to continue operating during lockdowns, preventing closures and job losses
In March 2025, the team marked this milestone with a 5th Birthday Party for the whole town – a special event that brought the community together for a cuppa, a chat, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the initiative.
From its pandemic beginnings, ShopBallinasloe.ie has evolved into the digital heart of the town – a local success story built on community spirit, innovation, and a commitment to supporting local business.
The founding members are Honoria Mitchell Black, Niamh Creaven Connaughton, Joe Glennon, and David Ansley.
