Hardware Association Ireland is proud to celebrate the graduation of the 2024/2025 class of the HAI Certificate in Hardware Retail Merchanting. This year’s graduates, representing hardware retailers and builders merchants from across the country, have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to professional development in our sector.
We extend our warmest congratulations to every student who completed the programme. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work over the past year is a credit to themselves and to their employers and the wider industry.
Class of 2024/2025:
Alastair Coyle – Walsh’s Homevalue
Joshua Duggan – McMahons Builders Providers – Dunmanway
Dean Hatfield – McMahons Builders Providers – Limerick
Seána Hurley – McMahons Builders Providers – Fermoy
Garreth Nolan – Brooks Timber & Building Supplies – Bray
Clare O’Reilly – Murdock Builders Merchants – Finglas
Vytas Preskaitis – Morris Builders Providers & DIY
Mark Reilly – Brooks Timber & Building Supplies – Bluebell
A special commendation goes to our two Student Award Winners:
Student of the Year 2025
Awarded for all-round excellence, demonstration of learning, and engagement throughout the programme.
Clare O’Reilly – Murdock Builders Merchants – Finglas
High Achieving Student
Awarded in recognition of outstanding academic performance.
Vytas Preskaitis – Morris Builders Providers & DIY
We were delighted to be joined by Mike Glennon (Glennon Brothers), Chairperson of Octabuild, who presented both students with their Student Awards.
With thanks to Octabuild for their Product Knowledge A sincere thank you goes to Octabuild and its member manufacturers Bostik, Dulux Paints, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement and Kingspan Insulation for their continued and generous support of the programme. Their contribution of specialist product knowledge and real-world insight is a vital part of this course’s success, and we look forward to building on this valued relationship in the year ahead.
Mike Glennon, Chairperson, Octabuild said: “As we mark the graduation of this year’s cohort, Octabuild is proud to congratulate each participant on their achievement. It has been inspiring to hear of their growth through HAI’s award-winning Certificate programme, which continues to set a high standard in preparing individuals for success in the hardware and merchanting industry. “Supporting this initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to developing a skilled and resilient sector. We wish the graduates every success in their future careers and are confident they will make a lasting impact on the industry.”
(both Brooks Bluebell).
We would also like to thank the mentors and employers who supported each student through their learning journey, as well as the trainers and facilitators who delivered expert-led, industry-relevant training throughout the year.
As always, HAI remains committed to supporting the ongoing development of professionals in our industry. We look forward to working with all our students and mentors – past and present – over the coming year, and helping them to continue their learning and development journey.
Watch this space for more updates on future training opportunities and programme developments.
Congratulations again to the Class of 2024/2025!
Have any queries? Contact aoife@hardwaressociation.ie
