Adams of Glin celebrates half a century with Peugeot

Adams of Glin, Main Peugeot Dealer in Glin, Co Limerick, is celebrating 50 years with the Peugeot brand in 2019, enjoying status as the oldest continuous Peugeot dealership in the country, writes Brian Byrne. 

Sean Adams, born to a blacksmith family, served his time as a mechanic in his youth, before starting the Adams of Glin business in the 1940s, as a motor service operation. It soon developed into a second hand car sales outlet and following a period of rapid success, Sean was aptly appointed to the Peugeot Dealer Network in 1969. The dealership has proudly carried the blue flag for the lion-brand in county Limerick ever since. Retired now for 10 years, Sean still spends time every day at the Glin showrooms. 

Shane and Sean Adams at the dealership.

Speaking of his success of half a century with Peugeot, Sean said: "Over the 50 years, Peugeot has served my family well, and we have served Peugeot well. From the time I started, my customers depended on me and my judgement. Businesses in small towns are very dependent on locals' business. But a local business will only be supported, if it earns customers' trust. You worked when it was needed. You worked Monday to Saturday, and on a Sunday if it was needed. I've been very lucky - I don't think I ever had a poor day, a day that I'd regret having. Looking back, I couldn't be happier."

Des Cannon, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors, Peugeot Importer in Ireland said: "The Peugeot brand is steeped in a rich history, made richer still, thanks to our strong bonds with our Dealer partners, who weave their own stories into ours. We congratulate Sean, Shane, Des and the entire Adams of Glin family on reaching this phenomenal milestone and we wish them continued success for generations ahead."

Significantly, in 2003, a state-of-the-art Peugeot showroom was unveiled, sporting an 8-bay workshop, fully stocked Parts Department and displaying the full range of Peugeot passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. 

Today Adams of Glin is a brand in its own right, representing the essential trust that underpins all successful businesses in rural Ireland. It is run by Sean's son Shane, with the help of a very professional cohort of management and staff, many of whom have been with the enterprise for decades: Henry Moran, Service Manager, joined the Adams team over 40 years ago; Eamon Leahy, Parts Manager started his career with the family over 38 years ago; Eddie Kirby, head mechanic, joined more than 40 years ago; John Murphy has been in sales in Adams of Glin for 40 years. Indeed, the average service years across the 27-strong staff at Adams of Glin is over 20 years, such is the loyalty of the team at the dealership.

Shane Adams, Dealer Principal said: "Adams of Glin is a brand name recognised across the mid-west of Ireland. Absolutely customer focused, everybody coming through our doors is treated equally as a potential customer and testament to that, we have a strong customer retention rate, despite operating from a small village location. That's what the Adams name stands for. I'm as hungry for business as my father ever was, and we work every day to get it and to add value for the customer. Do we get it right all the time? No, no one can. But we get it right most of the time, and have a good solid name and reputation. That's what people are buying."

Adams of Glin, a former Peugeot Dealer of the Year winner, is celebrating half a century with the Peugeot brand this year. Pictured below are Shane Adams, Dealer Principal; Des Cannon, Managing Director Peugeot Ireland; Sean Adams; Colin Sheridan, Sales and Marketing Director at Peugeot Ireland.