Year-long partnership will see donation added to 1,500 parcels supporting families and individuals across Dublin

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation has announced a major donation of €300,000 worth of food to the Capuchin Day Centre, marking the Foundation’s first food-distribution partnership in Ireland.  The donation will ensure that a donation from the foundation is added to every weekly food parcel distributed by the Centre over the next 12 months, providing vital support to families and individuals facing rising living costs. The surplus will be used for daily hot breakfasts served at the centre.

Founded and presided by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands – including easyJet.com, easyHotel.com and many others (see www.easy.com and www.easyHistory.info) – the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (see stelios.foundation and stelios.ie) partners with charities across Europe to provide high-demand items that support vulnerable households with its ‘Food from the Heart’ programme.

The Foundation’s ‘Food from the Heart’ programme first launched in Greece and Cyprus in 2012 and provides 200,000 snacks to those in need each month through 12 distribution centres. The programme has since expanded to the UK, where in partnership with Trussell, it will distribute a year’s supply of chilli con carne tins in 2025. Earlier this year in France, the Foundation announced a partnership with Les Restos du Cœur, a major French charity providing free food and support.

The partnership with the Capuchin Day Centre extends this model to Ireland for the first time, supporting one of the country’s largest charities working with people experiencing homelessness, poverty and family hardship with the provision of 200,000 tins of baked beans purchased from supplier, Valeo Foods.

The Capuchin Day Centre provides over 300 breakfasts and 700 hot meals daily, alongside clinical services, family supports and a crucial weekly distribution of 1,500 grocery parcels. Demand for these services continues to grow, with the Centre supporting adults and families experiencing homelessness, food insecurity or social exclusion.

Representing the Stelios Foundation at the launch of the donation was Dan Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Malaysia. Dan serves as an advisor to the Stelios Foundation, a role he began earlier this year following the Foundation’s launch of the inaugural North–South Business Cooperation Awards. Held at Castle Leslie, Monaghan on October 30th, these awards celebrate innovation and positive economic impact across Ireland, distributing a total of €500,000 to nine outstanding entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the donation, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou said: “The Foundation aims to help as many people as possible, as directly as possible, and the Capuchin Day Centre represents exactly the kind of frontline organisation we want to support. Their daily work offers dignity, nourishment and hope to thousands of people across Dublin, and it is an honour for us to contribute in a practical way. By supplying a year’s worth of a high-demand food product, we can make an immediate difference while also strengthening the Centre’s ability to serve a growing community. I am delighted that our first partnership of this kind in Ireland supports such a respected and compassionate charity.”

Fr Kevin Kiernan, Director at the Capuchin Day Centre, added: “This donation from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation could not come at a more important time for the people we support. Tinned beans may seem simple, but for many families they are one of the most valuable and nutritious items in a weekly parcel when budgets are under real pressure. Knowing that we can include two tins every week for the next year provides enormous reassurance to the thousands of people who depend on us. We are deeply grateful to Sir Stelios and his Foundation for recognising this need and responding so generously. Their support will have a very real impact on people experiencing food insecurity across Dublin.”

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Centra has launched a limited-edition Christmas board game called ‘Monop-Deli’. Players can land on Superquinn Sausage Street, swing past Jambon Junction or pick up properties on Chicken Fillet Roll Row. The playful, snack-themed universe celebrates Centra’s most iconic deli favourites and brings a fun twist to festive family game nights. The game is not available for purchase; it will be given away exclusively through Centra’s social media channels.

Games night is a Christmas ritual for many families and friend groups, and curating an epic spread of bites and snacks is absolutely essential. Recognising how central these moments are to Irish households, Centra created ‘Monop-Deli’ as a playful celebration of its deli heritage and the role snacks play in festive get-togethers. The launch is paired with a delicious range of festive food – from healthy treats by The Happy Pear to tasty tipples and seasonal favourites – making game night prep easier than ever. 

To celebrate ‘Centra Monop-deli’, the convenience retailer wanted to explore a truly Irish games night. From the keen players and sneaky rule-breakers to the ultimate peace brokers, and most importantly, which food and drinks are essential to keep the craic flowing.  

The research results are in…. 

Perfect games night = craic + snacks: Research commissioned by Centra uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Irish games-night, confirming that a winning combination of craic and snacks is key! For 66% of adults, the ‘right crew’ takes top priority. An equally vital ingredient for over half (53%) is a stellar snack table, featuring everything from crisps and dips to festive pizzas and convenient party trays. Choosing the best games also landed at 53%. Interestingly, music scored only 26%, proving that good company and lively banter are all the entertainment required. 

Healthy competition: Board games are a Christmas staple in Ireland, with 87% of adults playing with family or friends. For 27%, it’s an annual ritual; 38% play frequently. Board games can unearth our competitive streak and more than one third of adults (38%) admit to being the most competitive person in the room. 24% claim their sibling is the most competitive, while 19% point the finger at a partner, spouse, or significant other. Bending the rules however is a family tradition as thirty percent of adults say their sibling is most likely to cheat, 20% blame the slightly annoying relative who only shows up once a year, and 19% admit ‘it’s me’. When passions flare, 44% will offer a drink refill and 25% a snack offering. Clearly, nothing restores harmony quite like a well-timed treat or a refreshing top-up! 

The most Irish move? Forgetting the game entirely: Irish humour is at its finest during games night as 33% of adults get so caught up in the craic and chatter that thoughts of whose turn is it simply fade away. Meanwhile, 22% are sneaky scorekeepers, feigning indifference while secretly plotting their victory. And 14% will deliberately let someone win, handing out morale boosts like festive confetti. 

Who’s Who in Irish Games Night: The research also explored the nation’s games-night personalities and the results revealed the top three personas. The Grazer, making up 32% of players, juggles one hand on the board and the other permanently in the dips, while the Feeder, the quiet MVP at 26%, tops up bowls, slicespizza, and keeps moods and blood sugars steady while chaos unfolds around them. And of course, the Rulebook Royalty, 17% of the crowd, who memorises every rule and penalty, dramatically calling out every technicality you “definitely ignored”. Without them, Christmas games would descend into total anarchy. 

When it comes to picking sides, Irish couples divide into three distinct camps, proof that board games can test even the sturdiest of partnerships. Around 26% always stick with their partner, choosing love over logic, while another 34% team up depending on mood, the game, or how the last round of Charades went. And then there’s the fearless, 17% who never pair up, proving that nothing says “I adore you, but…” quite like a fiercely competitive Irish Christmas. 

Centra created Monop-Deli to elevate Irish Christmas board nights, turning them into the ultimate snack-powered adventure. A limited number of Centra Monop-Deli sets will be available this Christmas, with social media giveaways, influencer collaborations. This year, Centra isn’t just feeding Christmas, it’s saving it, one snack-fuelled roll of the dice at a time. 

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Styled as a Future Focus Forum and headlined by Irish Rugby Head Coach Andy Farrell, BWG’s Group Chief Executive John Moane showcased the growing scale and purchasing power of the expansive BWG business, revealed some of his strategic ambitions for 2026 and guided attendees through predictions for the retail, foodservice and wholesale sectors in the year ahead.

In an in-depth conversation facilitated by RTE’s Jacqui Hurley, World Rugby Coach of the Year award winner Andy Farrell inspired attendees with unique insights into the art of achieving high performance through partnership, aligned with BWG’s call-to-action for greater partnership and collaboration between suppliers and the retailers.

Speaking at the event, John Moane, said, “Our retail network, totalling more than €3 billion in retail sales, expands to over 1,000 stores nationwide; making it an essential part of the country’s social and economic fabric. We also serve over 20,000 business customers every week through our growing wholesale and foodservice divisions, giving BWG an enormous reach into Ireland’s economy. Looking to 2026, and notwithstanding the challenging and competitive marketplace, our ambition is to continue growing our contribution to the economy by unleashing the full power of our independent retailers, along with our wholesale and foodservice customers.”

Photographed at the event were John Moane, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group, with Andy Farrell, Ireland Head Coach, IRFU, symbolising the event’s commitment to excellence and partnership in action.

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The Fuel Pod has been developed by Inver as a pay-as-you-go modular fuelling solution for a range of locations. The design of the Fuel Pod reduces the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance as the system is delivered as a fully integrated unit.

Due to its flexibility, the Fuel Pod also offers new options for Inver’s commercial customers and retailers that may not have had the space or capital for their own onsite refuelling capability. It can also be used for time-limited projects as it can be dismantled and moved on to the next project site.

“The Inver Fuel Pod enables us to increase fuel supply across Ireland through an innovative, flexible and cost-effective solution that supplements our traditional forecourt offer. It ensures reliable supply where it’s needed” said Ben Lenihan, Head of Retail Fuel, Inver Energy.

“It is also ideal for haulage, logistics, and construction companies looking to fuel their fleets efficiently in confined or remote locations or simply looking for a solution that doesn’t require major groundwork. Because the system is installed and supported by Inver, companies can rely on a turnkey service that enables them to redeploy the unit across different depots or project locations with confidence.”

The Fuel Pod in Clonmel is the 12th Inver location in Ireland to supply HVO at the pump and there are plans to deploy Fuel Pods across multiple sites in 2026.

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Applegreen opened a new Taco Bell restaurant at Ballincollig in Cork onTuesday December 9.

Ballincollig is the third Irish location for Taco Bell, following openings in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath in September, and in Lusk, Co Dublin in November.

The menu in Ballincollig will feature Taco Bell favourites such as crispy chicken burritos, beef burritos, the Crunchwrap Supreme, quesadillas, and seasoned fries. 

The arrival of Taco Bell is part of a major refurbishment of Applegreen’s Ballincollig location, as a new M&S Food shop-in-shop outlet and a new Crafted Kitchen & Deli operation are also opening tomorrow. 

“We’re really excited to be bringing Taco Bell to Ballicollig, and to County Cork,” said Seamus Stapleton, Managing Director of Applegreen’s Republic of Ireland business. 

“Applegreen’s first two Irish Taco Bell restaurants have been hugely popular with customers, and we are delighted to be further expanding our partnership with this new outlet in Ballincollig.”

The significant refurbishment of the Ballincollig store is part of Applegreen’s investment of more than €50 million in the Irish market this year. “We are continually investing to upgrade existing locations and to add new sites to our business in Ireland,” Mr Stapleton said. 

“By partnering with leading brands such as Taco Bell and Marks & Spencer, as well as enhancing our own brand through our new Crafted Kitchen & Deli, we are offering an even better experience for customers that use our Ballincollig store.”

Applegreen plans to add further Taco Bell outlets to its Irish portfolio next year as part of its partnership with the US-based company.

Applegreen operates 35 M&S Food shop-in-shop outlets across its Irish network and has plans to grow this number to more than 60 outlets in the medium term.

Applegreen customers at Ballincollig will now have access to more than 400 M&S products available in-store, including fresh flowers, convenient and tasty lunch and dinner options, sandwiches, and fresh fruit and salads. M&S Food favourites including Colin the Caterpillar cakes, Percy Pig sweets, and freshly baked M&S cookies will also be available.

The Ballincollig store will also feature a new Click & Collect service for M&S Clothing and selected Home product ranges, providing customers with the convenience of ordering quality clothing, home and beauty essentials online at www.marksandspencer.com/ie  and picking up their purchases for free instore.

Applegreen is one of Ireland’s leading retail hospitality brands. It opened its first service station in Ballyfermot in Dublin in 1992 and now operates almost 200 locations in the Irish market. 

Applegreen also has a very significant business overseas, with operations in Britain and the United States, and a total of more than 435 locations and more than 750 branded food offers across its global network. 

Applegreen is currently engaged in a €1 billion expansion plan and invested almost €300 million into the business this year. In Ireland, Applegreen is investing both in new locations – such as the €15 million new motorway service area in Dunshaughlin – and in upgrades to its existing sites. 

It plans to further grow its partnerships with M&S Food, and with Taco Bell, and to continue expand its Braeburn Coffee brand – which is now available in more than 100 locations nationwide and at 10 Braeburn Cafés – and its new Crafted Kitchen & Deli offer.

Applegreen currently employs about 16,900 people across the Group and has further plans for growth in all of its major markets. It had a turnover of €3.8 billion last year and its outlets serve about 180 million customers per year.

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