Abbey Florists Celebrates 30 Years with Special Event on November 15

Abbey Florists will commemorate its 30th anniversary with a special event at its Doagh Road shop on November 15, 2023. The celebration is set to take place from 11:00 to 18:00, marking three decades of service in the community. The family-run business, currently managed by the Breen family, has become a staple in the local area since relocating to its current premises in the early 2000s.

A Family Legacy in Floral Design

Founded by Liz Breen and her late husband Ricky, with significant contributions from her father, Jimmy, Abbey Florists has grown under the stewardship of Liz and her daughters—Joanne, Gillian, and Laura. Gillian shared that the business has thrived even during challenging times, notably throughout the pandemic. “We would have contracts with 13 local funeral directors, which allowed us to stay open during Covid,” she explained. Social media has also played a crucial role in maintaining customer engagement, with the shop hosting a special giveaway of bouquets on its Facebook page throughout November.

Over the years, Abbey Florists has catered to a range of high-profile clients, creating floral arrangements for the likes of Van Morrison, James Nesbitt, Julie Walters, and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The shop also provided flowers for significant royal visits, including those of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Northern Ireland, as well as a floral tribute for the late Queen Elizabeth in 2022.

Overcoming Personal Tragedy

This anniversary comes during a particularly difficult year for the Breen family. Initially, they had planned to celebrate with a fundraising gala at the Europa Hotel. However, unforeseen medical emergencies altered those plans. “On April 20, Joanne suffered a stroke, and we weren’t sure if the gala was going to go ahead. We announced to customers on July 16 that it would, but the following day my husband Syd had a brain haemorrhage,” Gillian recounted. Tragically, Syd passed away on July 23, leading the family to reconsider their plans.

Despite the emotional challenges they have faced, the Breens decided to proceed with a smaller event to acknowledge the anniversary, with aspirations to organise the fundraising gala at a later date. “This shop is like a second home to us, and the kindness of our customers has been amazing. We just wanted to do something for them,” Gillian added, underscoring the importance of community support during trying times.

The upcoming celebration at Abbey Florists represents not only a milestone for the business but also a testament to resilience and the enduring bonds of family and community. As the Breen family prepares to mark this occasion, they invite all to join them in celebrating their journey and the relationships they have built over the years.