Pharmacy Plus Birr celebrates National Business All-Star success

Pharmacy Plus Birr has been officially recognised as the Business All-Star Community Pharmacy of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF), celebrating its outstanding service, community commitment, and dedication to patient care. Founded by David O’Meara in 2006, Pharmacy Plus Birr has grown to become a cornerstone of the local community.

David O’Meara is the Founder and Superintendent Pharmacist of Pharmacy Plus Birr and Vision Plus Opticians. A proud Offaly native, David has spent nearly two decades building a healthcare business that is as much about people as it is about prescriptions.

After qualifying as a pharmacist, David set out to create something different - an independent pharmacy where patients could count on expert advice, friendly faces, and a genuine connection. In 2006, he opened Pharmacy Plus Birr in the heart of the town, combining professional care with a neighbourly touch that quickly won the loyalty of the local community.

David’s philosophy is simple: healthcare works best when it’s personal. It’s an approach that has earned him not only the trust of his community, but also national recognition - most recently as the recipient of the Business All-Star Community Pharmacy of the Year 2025 award.

The All-Ireland Business Foundation’s annual awards celebrate businesses that achieve excellence in quality, trust, and community impact. The Community Pharmacy of the Year title is awarded to pharmacies that demonstrate exceptional service standards and deep engagement with their communities.

Reacting to the news, Founder, David O'Meara said: “This accolade is deeply meaningful for our team. 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 people place in us every day.”

Announcing the accreditation, Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board, said: “Pharmacy Plus Birr represents the very best of community healthcare, delivering excellence in service while making a tangible difference to people’s lives. In reviewing their accreditation application, it was clear that this is a business built on trust, compassion, and a deep understanding of its community’s needs. David O’Meara and his team have gone beyond the traditional role of a pharmacy, offering not only exceptional healthcare and optical services, but also serving as a reliable source of advice, support, and reassurance for local residents. It is businesses like Pharmacy Plus Birr that remind us of the vital role independent, community-focused enterprises play in the fabric of Irish life.”

Kapil Khanna, Managing Director of the AIBF, said: "David and his team exemplify what it means to be a Business All-Star. They’ve built a business rooted in trust, care, and genuine community spirit, and we’re delighted to honour their contribution."

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.”