John Cooney renews brand ambassador role with Shelbourne Motors

Shelbourne Motors has renewed its association with Ulster and Ireland scrum-half John Cooney as the car dealer group's official brand ambassador.

The Irish rugby international will continue his role helping the Northern Irish motor retailer to promote its franchised dealerships.

Cooney, who scored nine tries in 15 appearances for Ulster and Ireland in the 2019/20 season before it was curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, said: “I really feel part of the Shelbourne Motors family and look forward to working with the team to promote their unequalled sales and after-care experience to customers as one of Northern Ireland’s largest family-owned vehicle retailers.”

Paul Ward, director at Shelbourne Motors, said: “We are honoured and privileged to have John Cooney renew his association with Shelbourne Motors.

“John epitomises everything that we want from a brand ambassador – both on and off the pitch – and we look forward to continuing to work with him over the next twelve months as part of the Shelbourne Motors family.”

Shelbourne Motors employs over 170 staff across its dealerships in Portadown and Newry. The car retailer operates Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Kia and Dacia franchises, as well as a used car supermarket, accident repair centre, vehicle rental division and valet centre.

In 2019 Ward told AM of the importance to the business of building community links and its return to Newry as the family-run business expanded.