A new era has begun at Spa Glen as Maxol Ireland officially welcomes Dwayne Hunt as the new licensee of the Maxol service station, bringing to a close the remarkable 35-year tenure of well-known local businessman Donal O’Mahony.
Maxol confirmed the appointment this week, expressing confidence that Hunt and his team will build on the strong foundations that have long made the Spa Glen site a central hub of the community. The company noted that it looks forward to seeing the station “continue to grow and serve the local area,” while taking the opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contribution of outgoing operators Donal, Linda and the entire Danos team.
For the people of Spa Glen, however, Donal’s departure marks the end of something deeply personal. Speaking as he stepped away from the business he helped shape over three decades, Donal described the moment as “emotional,” reflecting on what the station has meant to him and to generations of customers.
“I say goodbye after 35 years of giving every fibre of my being to owning and running what became my pride and joy,” he said. His message was filled with gratitude, to staff, customers, neighbours, suppliers and friends, all of whom, he said, have created “a lifetime of priceless memories” and helped forge bonds that will last long after the keys have changed hands.
Having lived 51 years in Spa Glen, Donal said the time felt right for a new chapter, although stepping away wasn’t easy. He extended heartfelt thanks to his family for their unwavering support and acknowledged the crucial role played by retail partners Centra and Maxol, describing them as “two strong Irish companies built on the back of family and community.”
Donal leaves with absolute faith in the future of the station.
“Spa Glen will continue to blossom, of that I’m sure,” he said. “It’s written in the stars, and the staff and customers will make sure of that.”
As the community reflects on his decades of service, Maxol has officially welcomed Dwayne Hunt to the helm, signaling the beginning of a new chapter while honouring the legacy of one of Spa Glen’s most dedicated locals.
