National company Eagers Automotive buys Ireland’s after century of community service
Big moves are afoot at longstanding multi-generational family-owned car dealership, Ireland’s of Cairns, which has just been bought by a national dealership.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Big moves are afoot at longstanding car dealership, Ireland’s of Cairns, which has just been bought by national dealership Eagers Automotive.
Established in 1923 and run by a sixth generation Cairns family, Ireland’s is multibrand dealership group selling Mitsubishi, Isuzu Truck, RAM, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo among others.
Apart from vehicle sales and servicing, the business – the only multi-generational car dealership in Cairns – has a proud history of investing in and supporting the Cairns community through not-for-profit and sporting clubs including Rotary, Red Cross, the Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund, the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, Advance Cairns, Cairns Choral Society and the Cairns Regional Art Gallery.
The business also had a role in creating the Cairns Taipans NBL team.
After a combined 91 years of service, brothers Richard and David Ireland decided to step down.
Grandsons of founder Francis Ireland MBE, Richard and David served their whole careers at the family business and played an integral role in shaping the organisation into what it is today.
They took over the business from their father, Ron Ireland OAM, who thoroughly trained and mentored them in all things automotive.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and it’s hard to believe that we’re stepping
down after all these years,” Richard said.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved at Ireland’s, and we’re confident that the business will continue to thrive under new leadership.
”We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our staff and clients over 100 years, and we thank them for their loyalty and dedication.”
David Ireland added: ”It’s bittersweet, but we’re looking forward to spending more time with our families and pursuing our recreational interests”.
In an announcement to the ASX on Wednesday, Eagers said it was pleased with the acquisition of Ireland’s.
“The addition of this business and property will further expand our footprint and complement
existing operations in North Queensland, while also providing a beachhead to grow with
partners such as BYD and consider our EasyAuto123 rollout plans,” the company said.
Their 24,000 sqm property on the Bruce Highway will be settling with Eagers May 31.
Originally published as National company Eagers Automotive buys Ireland’s after century of community service
Helicopter sent to man trapped in truck on PDR
A man remains trapped in the cab of a truck on a remote Cape York road after rolling his vehicle. The rescue chopper has just landed at the scene.
Stunning images and footage of major army exercise
Stunning images from a major army exercise offer an insider’s perspective on the large-scale training held this week at Cowley Beach in Queensland, where soldiers honed their skills in handling large volumes of fuel.