WEST Belfast business stalwart Hugh 'Curley' Kennedy is to be this year's recipient of the 'Person of the Year' accolade at the upcoming Aisling Awards.
Born and raised in Hannahstown, Hugh was the founder of Curley's, a small fruit and vegetable shop on the Glen Road. Curley's then moved to the old Lucozade Factory which is now the site of the current Kennedy Centre in 1981 before expanding ten years later.
The centre had 20 stores prior to the redevelopment in 2009 when Sainsbury's bought Curleys supermarket.
Now established as an institution in West Belfast, the Kennedy Centre now houses the biggest Sainsbury's in the North and has over 50 other business located in it.
The Kennedy Centre today remains under the ownership of the Kennedy family, with Hugh's son Stephen at the forefront of operations.
Speaking to the Andersonstown News after learning he would be this year's recipient of 'Person of the Year', Hugh said: "I started off with a wee shop on Glen Road then moved to old Lucozade Factory.
"We thought the site was far too big for us but the the response was so good from the public that we opened the whole thing as a supermarket.
"In 1991, we built the Kennedy Centre with around 20 stores and in 2009 extended it to what it is today.
"It has always been a pleasure working in West Belfast. The people are the best.
"I couldn't believe it when I found out about the award. I never thought I would be considered for such an award. It is really flattering given some of the names on this trophy that have won it before me.
"It is very nice. I really appreciate it."
Alison McCrudden, Chairperson of Tuairiscigh Béal Feirste, the not-for-profit organisation which owns the Andersonstown News, extended her congratulations to Hugh.
"Curley Kennedy is a legendary business leader who literally left his mark on his beloved West Belfast with first his supermarket and now his expansive and popular Kennedy Centre.
"While never forgetting his humble beginnings — he left school at just 14 — ‘Curley’ always displayed inspiring ambition and unstoppable drive.
"In tough times, he built a first-class business which served a community which for too long had been starved of retail and commerical amenities.
"His rise in eighties and nineties, in particular, reflected the rise of the community which took Curley to its heart.
"As he enjoys semi-retirement, the coveted Aisling Person of the Year Award is the best way this community can say thank you to Curley for the mammoth contribution he has made to this changing city.”
Hugh Kennedy will receive his award at the Aisling Awards ceremony at the Europa Hotel on Friday, November 27.
