This year, the Cope marks its 120th anniversary, celebrating twelve decades of serving the people and communities of West Donegal.
Founded in Dungloe, West Donegal in 1906 by Paddy “the Cope” Gallagher, The Templecrone Co-Operative Society was established to improve the lives of local people through co-operation. While the organisation has evolved significantly over the past twelve decades, its commitment to community, service and value remains unchanged.
Today, the Cope operates across Builders Providers, Foodstores, Furniture & Homeware, Clothing and Hubtec, providing products and services for almost every aspect of life across West Donegal. Supported by more than 100 employees with over 1,000 years of combined service, the organisation continues to invest in its people, facilities and customer experience.
The Builders Providers division has developed into a modern 3.5-acre facility in Meenmore, supplying homeowners, self-builders, tradespeople, contractors and farmers throughout Donegal.
“Our success has always been built on relationships,” says John Paul McBride, Builders Providers Manager. “We’re proud to combine quality products with knowledgeable people and dependable service, helping customers complete projects of every size.”
Space and Selection
The 3.5-acre Meenmore site combines a modern retail showroom with a fully stocked warehouse, builders yard and dedicated collection facilities, enabling the Cope to efficiently serve both trade and retail customers. The store offers an extensive range of products for construction, renovation and home improvement, supported by strong partnerships with Topline and many of the industry’s leading suppliers.
Backed by its own transport fleet, the Cope provides a reliable delivery service across Donegal, ensuring materials arrive where and when they’re needed.
Miles Better
Whether serving a homeowner renovating a bathroom or a contractor managing a large-scale project, the focus is always on understanding the job and providing practical advice alongside quality products.
“Many of our team have spent decades in the industry,” says John Paul McBride. “That experience allows us to offer practical advice and solutions our customers can rely on.”
People Make It Possible
People have always been at the heart of the Cope. Across the organisation, more than 100 employees contribute over 1,000 years of combined service, bringing generations of knowledge and experience to every department. Within Builders Providers, that expertise helps homeowners, tradespeople and
contractors make informed decisions with confidence.
Knowledge Matters
Continual investment in people remains a priority. The team regularly participates in training through Hardware Association Ireland, Topline, ETB and supplier partners, alongside health and safety certification, machinery training, apprenticeships and leadership development.
Ongoing training ensures the team remains up to date with new products, legislation and industry best practice, allowing customers to benefit from knowledgeable advice and trusted expertise.
Customer Evolution
Customer expectations continue to evolve, and so does the Cope. Recent investment has enhanced departments including bathrooms, flooring, appliances, tools and workwear. The introduction of electronic shelf edge pricing has improved pricing accuracy, allowing the team to respond quickly to
supplier cost changes, promotions and new product launches. Working closely with suppliers, Topline and Hardware Association Ireland helps the business stay ahead of changing market trends, ensuring future investment is guided by the evolving needs of both customers and the wider industry.
Hurdles and Horizons
The builders’ merchant sector continues to evolve, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Fluctuating material costs, supply chain pressures and changing customer expectations require careful planning and strong supplier relationships.
“Managing price volatility has become part of everyday business,” says John Paul McBride, Builders Providers Manager. “Working closely with our suppliers allows us to plan ahead, secure stock where possible and continue delivering value to our customers.”
Demand across West Donegal remains positive, supported by new housing, home improvements, energy upgrade schemes and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, creating continued demand for quality building materials and expert advice.
Future Focused
Investment has always been central to the Cope’s approach. Over the past year, around 80% of the Builders Providers showroom has been redeveloped, creating a more modern retail environment while expanding several key departments. Alongside improvements to the customer experience, investment has also been made in business systems, stock management, electronic shelf-edge pricing and technology, helping improve efficiency across the business and ensuring the Cope continues to evolve alongside the needs of its customers.
Sustainability Steps
Sustainability continues to play an increasingly important role across the Cope. Solar energy systems now power two Cope locations, reducing energy consumption while also generating renewable electricity for the national grid. Recycling initiatives operate across the organisation, while customers can recycle batteries and household electrical appliances through dedicated WEEE collection points.
Sustainability also influences product choice, with growing demand for insulation products, energy-efficient appliances and modern building solutions helping customers improve the energy performance of their homes.
Networking and Outreach
The Cope is a proud member of Hardware Association Ireland, Topline Group, Retail Excellence Ireland, Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and IBEC. These partnerships provide valuable industry insight, training opportunities and access to leading suppliers, helping the business remain connected to developments across the merchanting sector while continuing to invest in its people and
services.
Reaping Rewards
The Cope’s commitment to continuous improvement has been recognised through a number of industry awards and accreditations.
The business was shortlisted in the 2026 Octabuild Awards, chieved All-Star Accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation and has also been recognised through the Gradaim Awards for its promotion of the Irish language.
These achievements reflect the Cope’s ongoing commitment to customer service, innovation and continuous improvement.
Community First
As a community-owned co-operative, supporting local people has remained central to the Cope since Paddy “the Cope” Gallagher founded the organisation in 1906.
Today, that commitment continues through sponsorship of local clubs, festivals and community initiatives across West Donegal, including the Mary From Dungloe International Festival, Burtonport Festival and numerous sporting organisations and charities.
Through The Cope Community Trust, more than “140,000 has been invested in local projects over the past decade, supporting initiatives that make a lasting difference across the communities the Cope serves.
Unique Selling Points!
The Cope’s strength lies in combining the values of a community-owned co-operative with the investment, facilities and expertise of a modern business.
As part of a wider organisation that includes Builders Providers, Foodstores, Furniture & Homeware, Clothing and Hubtec, the Cope supports almost every aspect of life across West Donegal. While the business has continued to grow and evolve, its commitment to knowledgeable people, trusted relationships and exceptional customer service remains unchanged.
Top Tips
John Paul McBride believes that while products, technology and customer expectations continue to evolve, the foundations of the industry remain the same.
“Know your products, know your customers and never stop learning. Good service has always been the foundation of this industry, and I don’t see that changing. If you invest in your people and build strong relationships, the rest will follow.”
