Monaghan and Sons, main ŠKODA dealers in Galway opened their new, state of the art showrooms on Thursday evening on the Tuam Road in Galway.

Over a thousand people turned up to celebrate with the Monaghan brothers and their staff on the evening. The opening was also attended by the top brass from ŠKODA with Brand Director John Donegan addressing the crowd.

He said: "The ŠKODA story is similar in many ways to how the Monaghan's business has developed and it's only appropriate that Monaghan's are the first dealer to make changes to their showroom as they were the first dealer to be appointed back in 1993. The secret to Monaghan's success is the has been the warm and friendly support and service which has seen their business grow and develop over the years.

"In Galway we are a top five motoring brand with over 7% of the market share. This is a fantastic result and I would like to congratulate all of the team at Monaghan's for their supports, commitment and dedication to the brand," he added.

Michael Monaghan paid tribute to his father, Tom who started the whole thing in Moyolugh in 1948. On the evening the cutting of the ribbon to open the showrooms was performed by Phyllis Monaghan, wife of Tom and mother of Michael, Leo and Joe Monaghan who now operate the dealership in Galway. Monaghans also have a second outlet in Castlebar, which is run by another brother David.

To a warm ovation Michael told the gathering: "There are no chapters in Monaghan's history. This is an evolution and we will continue to evolve and this showroom and your presence here is testament to a mother and father."