Limerick's revamped home

The Gaelic Grounds in Limerick is undergoing an extensive facelift. Soon the home of Limerick GAA will be totally unrecognisable - thanks to the expert touch of Ennis-headquartered Brian McCarthy Building and Civil Engineering Contractors.

To the south side, the Mackay Stand is staying exactly where it is. But Brian McCarthy Building and Civil Engineering Contractors is currently in the process of revamping the rest of the Gaelic Grounds - Limerick’s premier GAA venue.

Brian McCarthy’s company - one of Ireland’s largest regional construction firms - is in the process of constructing the new stadium which, when finished, will boast more than a passing resemblance to the Rebel County’s spiritual home, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, one of Munster’s top venues.

The terracing at the Clare and Limerick ends of the ground has already been demolished and will be replaced by superb new concrete terracing and seating (which will also cover the side opposite the Mackay Stand).

The new stadium will have no covering due to cost and planning restrictions. Apart from that, it is state-of-the-art. Henceforth, the capacity of the Gaelic Grounds will be increased to a whopping 50,000!
New turnstile facilities coupled with a complete overhaul of the entrances/exits will greatly improve accessibility.

The entire project is valued at 11m euro and basically incorporates a total upgrade of Limerick’s county grounds facility, including all the associated amenities and services - toilets, ramps, tarmacing, drainage, walls etc

Brian McCarthy Builders signed the prestigious contract in mid-July and moved on-site immediately. Time is of the essence in this line of business the company is intent on making sure that this project is finished on time and to exact specifications - as is the way with all Brian McCarthy jobs.

“We’re hoping to be out by the end of June 2003. Like all projects, it will obviously be dependant on weather to a certain extent but that’s the target we have set ourselves and we are confident that we will achieve that.”

Brian McCarthy Builders specialises in projects of this scope and magnitude and - crucially - boasts the expertise and capacity to oversee a number of major projects at any given time.

The company specialises in a wide range of work - industrial, commercial, apartment blocks, schools, apartment developments and some private spec work of their own as well - working traditionally in counties Clare and Limerick but more and more incorporating a vast area running from Galway to Athlone, down as far as Waterford and into counties Cork, Kerry and Tipperary.

In the field of sport, the company has completed a number of projects that - although not directly GAA-related - wouldn’t be a million miles away from what they’re doing on the Gaelic Grounds at present.

Two projects completed last year were the state-of-the-art new Cork Greyhound Stadium and the new stand at Limerick Racecourse. New covered stands have also been erected at Tralee Greyhound Track and Listowel Racecourse. So it’s certainly not as if the company is going into unknown territory...
Brian McCarthy Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ltd. was set up in 1981 and has since forged an enviable reputation for completing excellent work on time and within budget.

The company continues to grow from strength to strength and has been involved in the successful execution of many challenging projects in the west and south in recent times. Having undergone a planned and structured development program, Brian McCarthy Builders is now one of the largest regional contractors in the country.

Its client list includes SFAC Co, ESB, Aer Rianta, Roche Irl Ltd., Bord na gCon, the Department of Education, University of Limerick, the IDA - and the GAA of course!

Brian McCarthy Building and Civil Engineering Contractors operates predominantly within the commercial, industrial, educational, leisure and civil engineering spheres. Residential work undertaken is carried out both on contract and private development bases.

The company employs in the region of 200 (as well as various sub contractors), including an experienced management team of engineers, surveyors and building management graduates who ensure that all projects are given a personal and professional touch from start to finish.

As the company is ISO 9002 accredited, the organisational systems that are in place facilitate the efficient planning and management of even the most complex projects.

Notable projects that Brian McCarthy Builders has worked on this year include the 17-storey Clarion Hotel in Limerick, refurbishment of Ennis Courthouse, new stables at Ballydoyle, a new public library in Galway city, refurbishment of the Holy Family school in Ennis, an extension on Abbey CBS in Tipperary town, a housing scheme in Limerick city for Limerick Corporation office development at NTP Limerick.

Brian McCarthy Building and Civil Engineering Contractors is located at Unit 6, Quin Road Business Park, Ennis; tel 065 6828772; fax 0656828432; email info@bmcc.ie