Boxer Jude Gallagher is representing Team Ireland at the 2024 Paris Olympics, thanks to all the traits learned and instilled on the shop floor of his father’s Nisa Local store over many years.
Jude’s father John Gallagher has been in the retail industry since 2011, having opened a 3,000 sq.ft Nisa Local store in Newtownstewart, Northern Ireland.
John, an influential role model for Jude whilst growing up, has gone on to make a substantial success of the retail store whilst balancing other ventures and raising a young family including the future Olympian.
Jude dreamt of competing in the Olympics since he first put on boxing gloves at the age of eight.
His strong work ethic, modest attitude and a desire to be the best were developed during his teenage years working in the store
He acknowledged that “working in the store has helped me in so many ways,” he said.
Although boxing now comes first for Jude, John admits he is still a hit with the customers when he does return from his training camps.
John praised his son’s work ethic: “Jude has always had the work ethic you need to be successful. He’s held responsibility in the store for many years and he’s brought that into the boxing world with how he carries himself and having the motivation to go out and achieve great things.”
Jude trains full time with Ireland and has done since he won the Commonwealth gold medal, but when he is back he will help around the store if needed and he “certainly hasn’t forgotten his roots,” John explained.
He also added that Jude’s sucess has been a great feel-good factor for the whole community. “Many of our regular customers do come in and ask about Jude and ask to meet him so the local support has been great and I know it is something Jude is very grateful for.
“It really has brought the whole community together regardless of backgrounds and that has been great to see also.”
Jude also admitted his father’s work ethic across the store was the role model he required growing up: “It has made me responsible, accountable and has taught me to be adaptable. There are many challenges you can face from day to day in the store and you need to be at your best to provide the best level of service for your customers.
“I’ve always had a strong work ethic and that is massively down to me upbringing and my time spent on the store floor.”
Peter Batt managing director of Nisa explained that stories like Jude’s are fantastic and goes to show the work ethic it takes to make a success of both his boxing career and his father’s Nisa store: “Everyone at Nisa wishes Jude the very best of luck in France and fingers crossed it will be a very special Games for him.”
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