A popular Derry-based estate agent is celebrating 25 years in business.
Donnybrook Estate Agents first opened their doors in September 1997, by husband and wife duo Stephen and Ciara McCarron who has overseen the business go from strength to strength.
The well-known estate agent, which is based on the Spencer Road, has been helping families across the city get on the property ladder for nearly three decades.
Read more: NI school to offer students free breakfast as cost-of-living continues to bite
Speaking to MyDerry, Stephen said while it feels like they've been in business a "long time", it has gone in the "blink of an eye".
"I first started the business when I was 24 and I believe the only reason why I did so was because of the combination of youth," he said.
"I don't think I would've taken that chance if I had waited an extra six or seven years. It was the biggest risk of my life at the time. I had a young daughter and we needed to ensure that a roof remained over her head. It kept me motivated in a way.
"8ut, ultimately, I also saw an opportunity as well because I had built a relationship with a property developer and we were able to strike a deal.
"He was young too, but the fact he was giving me the chance to sell the homes was the final push I needed to open up Donnybrook."
He continued: "Being an estate agent wasn't something that I had in my blood growing up, sales was in my blood, but I think it was my determination to work hard and succeed that drove me on.
"And here we are 25 years later and we've managed to keep the doors open despite having a few bumps along the way.
"Myself and my wife, Ciara, have worked really hard over the years to help the business grow, and we also have an amazing staff who have stuck with us for more than 20 years, and we've had some wonderful clients.
"I just love what I do and I never get tired of seeing people so happy when they get the outcome that they want.
"I'm selling houses to young people now and I remember helping their mum and dad get their first property 25 years ago, so it really has went full circle."
The name of the estate agents itself also has a special meaning for the McCarron family, with the very foundation influenced by a Belfast street.
"My wife owned a property in Belfast on Donnybrook Street and she sold that property and used some of the money to start the business.
"She had lived and worked in Belfast but decided to sell the property when it came down to it and the rest is history.
"This business could've failed very easily, but we've had a bit of luck along the way. I seriously thought that I was going to have to shut the doors a few times.
"The financial crash in 2008 was scary and the Covid-19 pandemic was even worse, but we've managed to pull through those and in many ways we've been the keeper of our own future and that has been one of the biggest highlights.
"Being able to provide two people with jobs and support ourselves really has been the biggest joy. We never take that for granted and we look forward to continuing that good work for many more years to come."
READ NEXT:
NI mum on how autistic son inspired new higher education qualification
Woman reunited with wedding ring after it was lost on beach for two months
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
