A summer of events

Did you know that Upfront also offer full PR and Events Consultancy?

Our founder, Orla Diffily is a graduate of public relations and worked at a senior level in both consultancy and in-house in Kerry Group plc before establishing Upfront PR in 1995.

Last weekend our team was in Listowel to co-ordinate the 150 anniversary celebrations of family owned drinks distribution business John J. Galvin & Son.

*All smiles Ray Stack, Orla Diffily and John Kelliher*

In addition to managing the event and PR, Upfront worked with media production company, Neustock Media to produce a short film to commemorate highlights from 150 years of John J. Galvin & Son.

Short film produced by Neustock in association with Upfront PR

Below is the official news release from the evening. Photos are by JK Photography.

Issue date: Monday 15th June 2026.
One of Ireland’s oldest family-owned drinks distribution businesses, John J. Galvin & Son Ltd., celebrated 150 years in business at a commemorative dinner in the Listowel Arms Hotel, Listowel, Co. Kerry on Saturday night (13th June). The evening was hosted by fourth generation proprietor John Galvin and his wife Breda, and celebrated a journey that began with a £32 annual lease on a licensed premises in Listowel in 1876 and today operates a business, stocking more than 1,000 product lines, employing 30 staff and serving pubs, hotels and restaurants throughout Kerry and Limerick using its own fleet of 15 delivery vehicles.

Mc’ed by well known local publican, journalist and author, Billy Keane, the evening was attended by 150 guests, including current and past employees, suppliers and business partners. The event opened with the premiere of a specially commissioned commemorative short film which documents business milestones over the past 150 years and guests then enjoyed a four course dinner with specially selected wines. Bringing the evening to a memorable close was a captivating piano performance by the highly accomplished musician Áine Hurley.

Speaking at the celebration, John Galvin, Managing Director,

"It is a privilege to celebrate 150 years in business, a milestone that is a testament to the generations who came before us and to the people who continue to contribute to our success today.

Our staff are at the heart of this business. Collectively, our current team of 30 employees represents more than 600 years of service, and I would like to sincerely thank them for their loyalty, professionalism and dedication over the years.

We are also deeply grateful to our customers, whose support has sustained us across generations. Their loyalty has enabled us to grow while remaining an independent family business rooted in the local community.

As we mark this important anniversary, our focus remains firmly on the future. We look forward to continuing to grow John J. Galvin & Son, building on the values that have guided us for 150 years, and passing this legacy on to future generations."

After dinner, presentations were made to long serving employees, Nelius Collins, Mike Quinn, John Broderick and Mairead Lynch who personally has 50 years unbroken service with John J. Galvin & Son. Their commitment has helped sustain and grow the business over many decades.

The team at John J Galvin & Son Celebrating 150 years in business

In an unscripted surprise on the evening, the staff represented by Kevin Enright, Eugene Quinn and Sandra Donovan presented John and Breda Galvin with tickets to Carmen the Opera, a specially commissioned decanter set and flowers.

*Post event drink in John B’s Listowel.*

Survival in a competitive market and successful succession remain challenges facing family enterprises, and John J. Galvin & Son stand as an example of a business that has continued to grow over four generations while maintaining its independence, local roots and commitment to customer service.

-ends-

Sister Style wins on Ladies Day