Offaly pharmacy lands national double for community healthcare excellence

PHARMACY Plus Birr has secured a national double, after it was named Business All-Star Community Pharmacy of the Year 2026 and AIBF Pharmacy SuperTeam of the Year 2026.

Founded by David O'Meara in 2006 and located on Emmet Square in the heart of Birr, the pharmacy has become a cornerstone of the local community.

A proud Offaly native, David O'Meara set out to build an independent pharmacy where patients could count on expert advice, familiar faces and a genuine connection, and his philosophy has stayed the same ever since: healthcare works best when it's personal.

Pharmacy Plus Birr has built its reputation on the small things that matter, phoning patients personally, tracking down hard-to-find medications and supporting local events and initiatives, the kind of service that turns a pharmacy into a trusted part of a town.

The Community Pharmacy of the Year title, retained for a second year, is awarded to pharmacies demonstrating exceptional service standards and deep engagement with their communities. The Pharmacy SuperTeam of the Year honour, meanwhile, recognises the strength of the team behind the counter, a fitting acknowledgement for a business where patients know the staff by name.

David O'Meara, founder of Pharmacy Plus Birr, said: "We are honoured to receive the Community Pharmacy of the Year recognition for a second year. In addition, the SuperTeam Award is exceptionally pleasing as it recognises the focus, hard work and dedication of my entire team to provide a healthcare service of excellence to every customer. Our mission has always been to combine professional expertise with a warm, personal approach, so that every customer feels valued and cared for. We're proud to serve this community and grateful for the trust the people of Birr and its environs place in us every day."

Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board, said: "Pharmacy Plus Birr represents the very best of community healthcare. To retain the Community Pharmacy of the Year title and to be named Pharmacy SuperTeam of the Year in the same year says everything about the consistency of this business and the quality of the people in it. David O'Meara and his team have gone well beyond the traditional role of a pharmacy, acting as a genuine source of advice, support and reassurance for the people of Birr. This double recognition is thoroughly well earned."

Kapil Khanna, Co-CEO of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, said: "Pharmacy Plus Birr is an outstanding example of an independent Irish business built on trust. From its base on Emmet Square, it has served the people of Birr with professional expertise and genuine personal care for nearly two decades. Retaining the Community Pharmacy title and adding the SuperTeam honour reflects both the standard of the service and the strength of the team delivering it."

He said: “We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

Pharmacy Plus Birr celebrates its 20th anniversary on November 10th 2026. David and the pharmacy team appreciate and thank all customers and staff who have graced Pharmacy Plus Birr over the years.

It has been a wonderful 20 years filled with lovely people, fond memories and always good laughs alongside the pharmaceutical care.

David welcomes everyone to celebrate with them on Friday November 7th and Saturday November 8th. There will be coffee and treats on offer both days and many special discounts and a prize draw for everyone to enter. Optional donations will be in aid of St Vincent De Paul.