GTS Tyres celebrates 35 years of excellence 

24/02/2025

Celebrating 35 years in business in 2025, Gortnacarrow Tyre Service (GTS Tyres) is a one-stop shop for all your tyres and repairs in the border counties of Fermanagh, Monaghan and Cavan. 

Founded in September 1990 by Ciaran McBride, GTS Tyres is a leading independent tyre retailer stocking a wide range of brands to suit every budget for cars, vans, 4x4s, SUVs, trucks and agri. The family-run business specialises in motorcycle tyres and provides a ‘Ride In, Ride Out’ service. As a keen motorcyclist himself, Ciaran knows all there is to know about motorcycle tyres and the fitting of them. 

Other services provided at his purpose-built premises near Newtownbutler include 3D Wheel Alignment, Alloy Straightening / Rim Repair, Air Con Reconditioning, Brake Repair, Car Wash and Light Vehicle Maintenance. A fast and reliable breakdown service is also offered, with a fully-kitted van dedicated to onsite and roadside repairs. Ciaran is joined in the business by his wife Nuala and a small but dedicated team of tyre fitters, while his sons Stephen, Connor and Shane also work part-time. 

GTS Tyres was delighted to be recently voted Northern Ireland Retailer of the Year in the Irish Auto Trade Awards for a second time. The award-winning company is also part of the First Stop and Bikers Club networks. 

Asked what the secret to GTS Tyres’ longevity and success is, Ciaran replies: “It’s down to our repeat customers and exceptional service as well as our willingness to adapt to the latest technology and move with the times. About 90% of our business is repeat. Our customers are very loyal to us. Some of them are third-generation at this stage. We give them what they want and look after their ever-changing needs. 

“We pride ourselves on our quality products and unrivalled service. Our primary concern, however, is the safety of our customers, hence the importance of choosing the right tyre to suit your vehicle and the way you drive it. 

“While we’re in a rural area, we’re central to where Fermanagh, Monaghan and Cavan meet. We’re right on the border, four miles from Newtownbutler, five miles from Clones and 10 miles for Cavan town. So we have customers from all three counties and from both sides of the border.” 

Ciaran’s spacious three-bay depot has everything he and his team need to repair and replace tyres, including Giuliano and Mondolfo tyre changers, Mondolfo lifts and a John Bean 3D wheel alignment machine. There is also a waiting area where customers can relax while their tyre repair / replacement is carried out. 

“We cater for everything from a wheelbarrow to a tractor or truck, and all the major tyre brands. It’s all about giving customers the service they want,” Ciaran says.  

“Whereas we stock a full range of economy, mid-range and premium tyres for cars, vans, 4x4s, tractors and trucks, we only stock premium brands for motorcycles such as Bridgestone and Michelin. We have a good knowledge of motorcycles and have no interest in the economy brands for them. 

“We have a massive stock of tyres. We always have sizes from 10” to 22” off the shelf thanks to the long-standing relationships we enjoy with suppliers. We deal with all the big wholesalers and know them all from being in the business for so long.” 

The Co. Fermanagh company offers free and impartial advice on the best quality tyres to suit your needs and budgets. As well as representing all the leading brands, it is an authorised dealer for Davanti which is a very popular mid-range tyre. Every Davanti tyre comes with a lifetime guarantee. Their all-weather grip and dynamic design make for a smooth drive. 

The Davanti range includes outstanding all-weather tyres in the DX390 and DX240, the ultra-high performance DX640 and the DX740 high performance SUV tyre.    

Ciaran initiated a fundraiser some years ago called ‘Cash4Clubs’ to give back to the local community. For every Davanti tyre purchased and fitted at GTS Tyres, he will donate £2.50 / €2.50 to clubs that have signed up. The clubs can be GAA, soccer, drama, photography, cycling, motor, golf, men’s shed and much more besides. 

The affable Fermanagh man’s passion for motorcycling sees him taking part in Enduro and Navigational events in Ireland and abroad. “That’s how I unwind when work allows,” he smiles. 

As GTS Tyres continues to go from strength to strength, Ciaran would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as his dedicated team of tyre fitters for their hard work and expertise. 

Here’s to the next 35 years! 

Gortnacarrow Tyre Service (GTS Tyres) 

Gortnacarrow, 

Newtownbutler, 

Co. Fermanagh. 

Telephone: 028 677 38060 / 00353 86 826 2988 

Email: [email protected] 

Web: www.gtstyres.com 

First published in Irish Trucker magazine January/February 2025, Vol 28-1