Huge blow to Wexford’s automotive industry as well-known business to close down

Updated 28 May 2026

A well-known local business has announced it will close its doors at the end of May, bringing to an end seven years of service, growth, and community connection…

In an emotional statement shared on Thursday 16 April, Shane Fortune and the team behind Fortune Automotive confirmed the difficult decision, describing the deep personal investment they had made in building the business from the ground up.

“After 7 incredible years, it is with a very heavy heart that we announce the closure of Fortune Automotive at the end of May. This decision has not come easily. What started as just an idea quickly became everything to us. We poured everything into this place. We had so many plans for the future and where we wanted to take it, which makes walking away now incredibly disheartening.”

They went on to explain the realities of running a small business behind the scenes, highlighting the constant pressure and long working hours that ultimately took a toll.

“Behind the scenes, it’s been long days and nights, and a level of pressure that never really left. It followed us home, sat in the back of our minds, and made it difficult to ever fully switch off. We tried making changes, including moving to a four day week, but in reality it was like putting a plaster on a broken bone. We put so much time, energy, and effort into the business, but with the way things have been, it reached a point where it was hard to justify what it was taking from us compared to what it was giving back”

The statement also reflected on the personal sacrifices made over the years, particularly the impact on family life.

“Losing time with our family has been incredibly difficult. Time we can’t get back. We’ve missed out on regular day-to-day stuff, and even when we were with them, we were never fully present. Work was always in the back of our minds.”

A significant part of the decision, they noted, involved the people who have been part of the journey, both staff and customers.

“One of the hardest parts of all of this has been the people involved. Barry and Jeremy have been with us for years, and more recently, Marie. The thought of letting them down along with our customers has weighed heavily on us and made this an extremely tough decision.”

Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, the owners expressed pride in what they achieved and deep gratitude for the support they received from the local community.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we built and so grateful to the people who helped us along the way. To our amazing customers, sincerely, thank you. Thank you for your support, your recommendations, and the trust you placed in us over the years. It meant more to us than we can ever express. A lot of laughs, stories and even tears were had in here. Many of you became more than customers, genuine friendships were built, and that means the world to us.”

Looking ahead, the team acknowledged that while this is not the ending they had hoped for, it is a necessary step for their future.

“This isn’t the ending we wanted, but it’s the one we need to make for our families, our well-being and our future. We look forward to our next chapter, whatever it may be.”

The business operated on a limited basis over the past number of weeks since their intial closure announcement, however, they will officially close on 28 May 2026.

The closure marks the end of a chapter for a business that, by its own account, became far more than just a workplace.

Despite that, on 28 May, the owners revealed some additional positive news. They noted that while it may be the end of Fortune Automotive, another mechanic will be taking over the premises. They have not yet stated who that is, but it will be announced in due course.

“He’s a brilliant mechanic; a genuinely lovely person, and has a young family local to the area, so we’re really happy to be leaving the garage in great hands,” they said.

Although it’s sad to see Fortune Automotive leave, at least it’s some good news that a mechanic(s) will remain at the garage.