Ganly’s Athlone named regional finalist in Octabuild excellence awards
Ganly’s Athlone has been named a finalist - representing Connacht/Donegal/Monaghan/Cavan - in the 2026 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards.
The awards recognise leading businesses in the builders' merchant sector across Ireland.
Ganly's Athlone is one of four builders' merchants representing Connacht/Donegal/Monaghan/Cavan in this year's awards, alongside Chadwick's Galway, Chadwick's Letterkenny and Joyce’s Hardware & Home – Headford.
Ganly’s Athlone is a long-established, family-owned retail and builders merchant business based in Athlone, serving trade professionals and DIY customers across the Midlands.
According to Octabuild, the company has evolved into a leading supplier of building materials, DIY products, home improvement goods, and bathroom and tile solutions, and is known for its strong customer service, knowledgeable staff and commitment to quality.
'Ganly’s Athlone supports customers with expert advice and reliable solutions across a wide range of products. Through continuous investment and adaptation, the business has maintained a competitive position while preserving its core family values, strong community connections and long-term relationships with customers and suppliers', Octabuild said when announcing the finalists.
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 have 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 awards. That level of participation speaks volumes about the pride, ambition and commitment that exists across our industry.
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, October 1.