CONGRATS! Tipperary businesses recognised in national business awards

Chadwicks Clonmel, Stakelums Home & Hardware and Sheahans Homevalue Hardware have been named finalists in the 2026 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards, recognising leading businesses in the builders' merchant sector across the island of Ireland.

Chadwicks Clonmel and Stakelums Home & Hardware are two of four builders' merchants in this year's Munster Regional Award, alongside Chadwicks Ballysimon and Cork Builders Providers – Togher.

Chadwicks Clonmel is supported by a team of 21 colleagues who bring more than 400 years of combined experience in building materials, technical advice, and trade support. The branch provides a comprehensive one-stop-shop solution, offering building materials, timber, plumbing supplies, paint, hardware, and tool hire services. Serving a diverse customer base, including trade professionals, contractors, developers, DIY enthusiasts, and homeowners. Chadwicks Clonmel is committed to delivering expert guidance, quality products, and reliable service for projects of every size, from small home improvements to large-scale construction and development works.

Stakelums is a long-established, family-owned builders’ merchant and home improvement retailer based in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, serving trade professionals and DIY customers across Tipperary and the surrounding counties. Operating from a multi-department site, the business provides solutions across hardware, building materials, plumbing and heating, electrical, paint, furniture, garden centre and homeware. Supported by a team of 96 colleagues across retail, yard operations, delivery and specialist departments, Stakelums combines product expertise, availability and strong customer service. Continued investment in facilities, including a new builders’ yard, garden centre redevelopment and upgraded Expert Electrical showroom, ensures the business continues to evolve while maintaining its personalised, service-led approach.

In addition to its regional finalist status, Stakelums is also a finalist in both the Sustainable Business Excellence Award and the Digital Excellence Award, recognising its continued investment in innovation, sustainability and customer experience.

The business has also nominated Niamh Irwin for the Unsung Hero Award. Niamh has been a valued member of the Stakelums team since 2000 and is now part of the senior management team. She plays a key role across the business, leading e-commerce and marketing while supporting colleagues with her expertise, professionalism and solutions-focused approach. Known for her dedication, resilience and willingness to go above and beyond, Niamh consistently contributes far beyond her role, making her a deserving nominee for the Unsung Hero Award.

Also representing Munster in this year's Awards, Sheahans Homevalue Hardware has been named a finalist in the Digital Excellence Award, recognising the business's continued investment in digital innovation and customer experience.

Founded in 1954, Sheahans has successfully evolved by combining traditional customer service with innovative digital solutions. A fully integrated EPOS system provides real-time stock visibility across in-store and online sales, while AI-powered customer support, digital payments, electronic billing, digital shelf labels, SEO and Google Ads have strengthened efficiency and customer engagement. Since launching its online store in 2019, the business has achieved an impressive 28,000% increase in digital revenue, alongside improved customer retention and streamlined operations. Ongoing staff training ensures digital expertise continues to develop, helping future-proof the business while preserving the trusted relationships and personal service that have defined Sheahans for more than 70 years.

Now approaching four decades, the Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards recognise businesses and individuals setting the benchmark for excellence across the builders' merchant sector. This year, 22 businesses are in contention across eight award categories, alongside nine Rising Star and 23 Unsung Hero nominees.

Following visits to shortlisted merchants throughout recent weeks, judges Phil Derby and Steve Collinge praised both the quality and depth of this year’s entries.

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Phil Derby said:

‘The standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high, and it was clear at every stop that merchants are genuinely investing in their businesses – in stores, yards and merchandising, but just as much in people, training, digital capability, sustainability and customer experience.

‘Reaching this stage is the result of a rigorous judging process, and every shortlisted business should take real pride in what they’ve achieved.’

The winners will be announced at the Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards Gala Dinner in The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday, 1 October.