Specialising in one-off residential builds, renovations, extensions and commercial projects, Connole Construction Ltd is a highly-regarded building firm in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare which recently featured on the hit TV show ‘The Great House Revival’.
Established in 1991 by John Connole, Connole Construction took on the task of restoring an old Land Commission cottage in the middle of the protected environment of The Burren landscape. Owner and restaurateur Aoibheann MacNamara had a very clear vision in mind for her Ballyvaughan retreat and was delighted with the finished product which Connole Construction successfully delivered in collaboration with Haslem & Co Architects and subcontractors Pat Howard (electrician), Keith Lane (plumber), Ciaran O’Connor (block layer), Ritchie Costello (plasterer), Mark Shannon (carpenter), Sylvie Mullins (specialist pumped screed layer), Michael Flanagan (fascia, soffit and gutters), Pavol Ildza (painter and decorator) and Darren McInerney (foundations and concrete work).
Presented by architect Hugh Wallace, ‘The Great House Revival’ on RTÉ follows homeowners across Ireland as they try to restore and transform their derelict properties into comfortable homes fit for today – while saving a piece of the country’s architectural heritage.
Every aspect of the work is documented, from missed deadlines and budgets to battles fought and challenges overcome. Every property is different and each brings its own unique set of problems for the brave homeowners, for whom every restoration is a personal passion project.
In this instance, Aoibheann’s vision had spiralled out of control before John and his crew got the renovation back on track.
“We love a challenge and this project – which was on our doorstep – certainly provided that,” John says.
“We and, more importantly, the client were very happy with how it turned out. We got great publicity from it, even though this is something we have never courted. We are customer-driven which comes from having a stellar reputation in the area for over 30 years. We work with some excellent architects, including John O’Reilly who is beside us in New Quay, Robin Mandal in Dun Laoghaire, Smith & Kennedy in Dun Laoghaire, Colm O’Broin in Wicklow, Helena McElmeel in Galway as well as engineers Brendan Slevin and Brian Foudy, and have a good name for quality construction and modern, contemporary builds.
“Hugh Wallace and everyone on this project were a pleasure to deal with.”
Joined in the business by his son Cormac, who is a civil engineer by profession, and three direct employees, John has over 40 years’ experience in construction. He started his career as a plasterer before lecturing in Construction Studies at Limerick IT from 1981 to ’88. He then worked in construction in the US for a couple of years before returning home and setting up Connole Construction. The company is proud of its reputation for building high-quality, award-winning homes in Clare as well as Galway, Limerick, Wicklow and Dublin.
“Our projects range from new builds, restorations and extensions to design & builds, commercial premises and refurbishments. Our exceptional standards of building, along with our high level of service, has resulted in long-lasting relationships and repeat business from customers.
“We have many years of experience in building one-off homes. We have worked alongside many architects, engineers and their design teams to create spectacular bespoke homes. We understand the needs of the client and therefore ensure that our rates are competitive, that completion dates are met and that the highest standards are achieved on every project.”
The affable North Clare man continues: “The business has grown organically over the years. With tourism being the biggest industry in our area, we relied on doing up holiday homes for German and English clients in the early days. High interest rates meant that very few locals could afford to build but, thankfully, that has changed over the last 30 years and the work usually comes to us because of our good name.”
Cormac has played a key role in the company’s continued growth since joining in 2017 after completing two degrees in Mechanical & Civil Engineering at TUS in Limerick. He has brought a wealth of technical knowledge to the business and is now a full partner. This will ensure that Connole Construction is in safe hands going forward.
Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of Connole Construction. Health & Safety is also paramount. From concept to completion, John and his expert team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.
Connole Construction’s one-stop shop approach ensures that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The contractor’s enviable reputation and ability to complete projects on time and within the agreed budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from scores of satisfied clients.
By employing highly-skilled people, working closely with design teams and using only the very best building products from local suppliers, this fully insured contractor is able to deliver the highest quality construction to its clients.
While residential projects are Connole Construction’s ‘bread and butter’, the family business has also completed several commercial projects, including the Burren College of Art, Burren Enterprise Centre and the Michael Cusack Cottage & Exhibition Centre in John’s home parish of Carran. Connole Construction typically builds three-four new homes every year.
Asked what the secret to his company’s longevity and success is, John replies: “It’s all down to our reputation, superior finish and the way we deal with clients. We work closely with them and strive for perfection on every job, regardless of their size.”
As Connole Construction approaches 35 years in business, John would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients, suppliers and design teams for their continued support as well as his staff and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Connole Construction Ltd
Unit 3B,
Enterprise Centre,
Ballyvaughan,
Co. Clare.
Telephone: 065 707 7777 (office)
Mobile: 086 278 8420 (John) / 086 247 4703 (Cormac)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.connoleconstruction.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August, Vol 11 No 9
Connole Construction, featured
