Three generations of Kilmartins recognised at the landmark N6 Service Station

When, in 1997, Athlone businessman Tony Kilmartin took the inspired decision to exit the Motor trade, demolish his former Ford dealership and Texaco service station, and set out to build his vision in a new structure, even he could not have fully envisaged what a major impact his development would have.

This was an undertaking driven by the realisation that times were changing and that something new and better was needed to serve the local community and the motoring public in general. Kilmartin N6 Service Station as we know it today is a destination in its own right. A staple in the Athlone community for over 25 years, it provides an all-encompassing 24-hourservice to its immediate community whilst attracting many visitors along the N6 and M6 road corridors and surrounding areas.

A testament to the vision, energy and drive shown by the Kilmartin family, Kilmartins N6 Service Station is arguably one of the best known and preferred stopping-off points on the journey between Dublin and the West.

Three Generations

Tony’s son Damian, who joined the operation at the construction stage, took over the management of thenew24-hourforecourt and convenience store when it opened with his wife Rachel, who sadly passed away in recent years. For the following two decades, they built a strong relationship with a number of anchor brands such as Texaco and the business soon became a highly regarded fixture in the community. Alongside his late wife Rachel, remembered fondly for her energy, drive and creativity, Damian added immeasurably to the task of steering the development to completion and shaping the range of products and services it would provide. His hands-on attention to detail is most evident throughout.

“Open 24-hours a day, our coffee-to-go service and relaxing,60 seat Deli facilities complement our well-stocked food store, off-licence, bakes, confectionery, newspaper and other product offerings,” he said. “Outside, our forecourt provides a well trusted and quality fuel offering to our customers in the Texaco brand, has automatic and manual car wash facilities and electric charging points, with provision already made to install extra points as EV ownership grows,” he added.

Damian and Rachel acquired asecond service station in 2008,which was immediately rebranded to a 24-hour Texaco site–The Grove Service Station in Athlone’s Baylougharea. This allowed the family business to grow and offer exceptional services to both sides of Athlone. More recently the Kilmartin family have acquired a retail-only outlet in the town centre.

When Damian’s sons Matthew, Luke, and Daniel joined the operation five years ago, they knew that they had big shoes to fill. However, they were determined to continue the family tradition of providing excellent service to their customers while maintaining their relationship with key brands. Apart from the promise of continuity, their collective skills and qualifications–gained in post-university work environments–fit comfortably within a business that is clearly on the move.

Asked to reveal the core values and guiding principles by which the Kilmartin N6 enterprise operates, all three generations of the family respond with equal voice.

“Across the board, we share an ethos that says, ‘always put the customer first, never turn away from hard work, and always be loyal to our customers and suppliers.” Proof that hard work, a caring approach to customers and others, and loyalty to those who supply the business can be seen in their longstanding relationship with motor fuels supplier, Valero Energy(Ireland) Limited-the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand. This relationship has been in place since the early 1970’s.Commenting, Retail Sales Manager for Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, Tom Naughton said, “We are proud of the relationship we share with the Kilmartin family and grateful for the support we have received from them. Taken together, their N6 and Grove service stations in Athlone are testaments to the values to which all three generations of their family subscribe. “From the outset, Damian and his family set out to build a business that would offer a welcoming re-fuelling stop for motorists ,along with providing a comprehensive food and retailing service to their local community.“By any standard, they have achieved that goal and provided a template that others in the sector continuously seek to emulate,” Mr. Naughton said.

Reflecting on the prominent position the KilmartinN6 Service Station occupies today, founder Tony Kilmartin expresses himself as “proud of the contribution it has made to the social and economic life of Athlone and the midlands generally, and happy that it has been able to‘ move with the times’ and grow to the point it is at today.”