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One of Northern Ireland’s oldest independent sports shops is celebrating a milestone as it marks 50 years in business.
Sport ‘n’ Sound has become synonymous with the Co Antrim village of Ballyclare and for many sports clubs and schools, it’s been the go-to place for trophies for sports days, festivals, and many other events.
Norman Kernoghan is the owner of Sport ‘n’ Sound, which first opened its doors on Ballyclare’s Main Street in March 1973.
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At the time, Norman, now 73, chose to give up his career in insurance in order to pursue his passion for sport and music and instead opened up a shop dedicated to both.
Norman captained the First XV at Ballyclare High School and later, turned out on Saturdays in midfield for Ballyclare United.
“I was working with Commercial Union for four years but always had an interest in music and sport so I decided to go for it,” he explained.
“We started off in music selling amplifiers and guitars as there was great demand back then because there were plenty of bands on the scene. I played guitar and sometimes sang the vocals in a four-piece band called ‘Euphony’.
“In those early days, we also mainly sold sports clothing, bicycles, toys, and even fishing gear at various times.”
He added: “A few years later we started supplying medals and trophies to sports clubs, dance groups, and other organisations, and about 20 years ago, we became the main stockist of uniforms and PE kits for virtually all the local schools in the area.”
During lockdown, Norman and his family offered a collection service where customers could still get what they needed and pick it up from outside the store to continue to provide for the community in any way they could.
Despite facing challenges such as economic downturns and the rise of online shopping, the business has continued to grow. This is a testament to Norman’s enthusiasm and passion for delivering excellent service and products to the community.
Norman added: “In recent years, the internet has probably been our biggest challenge, as it has been for many other town centre businesses.
“We keep our prices keen and offer our customers a friendly, personal service every time they shop with us. It means we can give local folk the care and attention they can’t always get online.
“I think that’s what has got us through the last 50 years and hopefully it’ll mean that businesses like the Sport ‘n’ Sound will still be around in another 50 years.
“Ballyclare is a quiet but great town and everyone seems to get on well together so we never have had many problems. We’ve been fortunate to be able to adapt our business to suit our customers, and we’re grateful to all of them for their loyalty and support over the years.
“As a family business, it’s great to see many of those who came into the shop back in the 1970s still calling in today.”
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