For over a century now, Murphystone Stone Contractors have been supplying stone products for a huge customer base. Granite and Limestone are the two main stones produced by the company. Granite is quarried in Dublin (Sandyford) and has been used extensively for many types of building. Fine examples of their craftsmanship can be seen in many buildings and churches throughout Ireland.
The limestone is quarried in Roscommon, and supplied in all types of finish to the building and monument industry. This fine quality Limestone offers excellent opportunities for finished memorials, shop fronts, flooring, interior panelling etc.
These days, Tom Murphy is the latest member of the clan to run the business as managing director and he spoke to Building Ireland about the services that they provide.
“The business goes back about five generations now. We are still operating from the same quarry in Barnacullia, Co Dublin, while we also have a quarry in Roscommon,” stated Tom.
“From the quarry in Dublin, we produce granite and this has been used in many, many jobs over the years. Many of the Georgian houses erected over the past 100 years would have used the granite from our quarry, while we also provided the stone for the Liffey walls and the likes of Mullingar Cathedral.
“Everything was done by hand them times and any man involved in the business that time has to be admired given the hard work they had to do.”
Of course, the company has evolved over the years and they have been involved in projects on some of the leading landmarks in the country including the Bank of Ireland on Stephen’s Green, restoration work in Leinster House and Tullamore Cathedral to name just a few.
Tom revealed that they provide a wide range of stone which is sourced from all over the world.
“We specialise in producing the finest quality stone products for commercial and residential markets. As well as producing Dublin Granite and Limestone from our own quarries, we also stock a wide range of stone products from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, China and the rest of the world.”
Modern technology has enabled the company to produce high quality stone for the customers’ specifications and their facility is equipped with state of the art machinery.
“We can provide a full range of services from product design to computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication to suit your needs, or choose from our impressive range of natural stone tiles, counter tops and other products.
“Our modern, purpose-built workshops include state-of-the-art machinery and technology, from computer aided design (CAD) to computer numerical control (CNC) cutting and polishing machines.”
Tom added that they are environmentally conscious about what they do and the company has taken steps to do their part for the environment.
“We are committed to the environment, which is why we have invested in water purification, recycling and containment systems.”
Thirty employees are employed by Murphystone and all are highly trained in their area of expertise, ensuing that the customer’s queries will be dealt with promptly.
“Our experienced staff can help you every step of the way, from concept design to manufacture and construction.”
Murphystone have seen it all down through the years and the latest recession was one of many that they have come through.
“It was difficult, we had to scale back the work force, and we were fortunate to have a few jobs to work on, which kept us going.
“You do learn from a recession and you certainly would take a more cautious approach to decision making within the business,” said Tom who joined the firm as an apprentice stonemason in 1985, while he was named National Apprentice runner up in 1987 and the winner in 1988.
The company’s reputation exceeds them and their best form of advertising is word of mouth and actually seeing the quality work they produce.
Other Products that they specialise include countertops for kitchens and bathrooms – designed and manufactured to specific requirements. Tiles – Natural stone tiles are durable, elegant and easy to maintain. It’s the natural choice.
Fireplaces – Handcrafted custom made fireplaces come in a number of styles and colours manufactured from quality limestone, marble and granite.
Headstones – They produce a range of traditional and modern Irish granite and Irish limestone headstones and monuments, as well as custom made edging and feature stone for wholesalers
Murphystone also specialise in conservation and heritage work which has seen them involved in many prestigious projects over the years.
Tom and his wife Carmen have worked hard to ensure that the standards set by his ancestors are being maintained and he is pleased with the direction that the business is heading.
“We are quite busy at the moment. We have a good reputation and as long as we maintain that then we will be happy. We do get a lot of repeat business and to me that shows that we are doing something right.”
Contact Details:
Murphystone,
Barnacullia,
Sandyford,
Dublin 18,
Ireland
Tel: + 353 1 295 6006 /+ 353 1 295 5078
Fax: + 353 1 295 3694
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, January 2017, Vol 3 No 1
