Chadwicks Galway and Joyces Hardware & Home – Headford have been named regional finalists representing Connacht/Donegal/Monaghan/Cavan in the 2026 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards, recognising leading businesses in the builders’ merchant sector across the island of Ireland.
They are two of four builders’ merchants representing Connacht/Donegal/Monaghan/Cavan in this year’s Awards, alongside Ganly’s Athlone and Chadwicks Letterkenny.
Chadwicks Galway is a builders’ merchant serving the construction and home improvement sectors across Galway city and the wider region. As part of Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s largest and most trusted builders’ merchant network, the branch combines national strength with local expertise. Its team of 25 colleagues supports customers across Sam Hire, the Panelling Centre, Plumbing, Timber and Building materials and Heiton Steel. Chadwicks Galway has built a strong reputation for quality products, industry knowledge, and exceptional customer service, serving approximately 1,500 customers each week across 600 trade accounts. In addition to being a regional finalist, the branch is also in contention for the Sustainable Business Excellence Award, recognising its commitment to responsible business practices and environmental sustainability.
Joyces Hardware & Home is a third-generation, family-run business based in Headford, Co. Galway, serving customers across the construction, home improvement and gardening sectors. With a team of over 60 dedicated employees, the business has grown into a regional market leader, supporting both trade professionals and retail customers.
Offering a complete one-stop shop for building, home and garden solutions, Joyces combines extensive product expertise with trusted local relationships and is committed to delivering exceptional customer service through a knowledgeable, personable approach. As a responsible business, it is equally committed to operating sustainably, continually seeking ways to reduce its environmental impact while supporting the long-term wellbeing of its customers, employees, and local community.
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.’
Speaking on behalf of the eight Octabuild members – Bostik, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Keystone and Kingspan Insulation – Octabuild Chairperson Mike Glennon said the response to the 2026 Awards has been phenomenal, with a record number of submissions received – the highest in the history of the Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards. That level of participation speaks volumes about the pride, ambition and commitment that exist across our industry.
‘These Awards are about celebrating excellence and recognising the people and businesses that continue to strengthen our industry. Congratulationsto all of this year’s entrants and we look forward to celebrating with the builders’ merchant community in the Round Room at the Mansion House in October.’
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.
