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Newsletter – December 2025
It’s that magical time of year again, and as we wrap up 2025, I find myself filled with immense pride and gratitude for everything we’ve accomplished together.
The spirit of innovation and collaboration I see every day at Kiernan Engineering is what truly sets us apart. Whether you were on-site ensuring precision, in the office designing solutions, or supporting a colleague, your contribution has been vital to our story this year. You have not only met our high standards but have consistently raised the bar.
As we close our laptops and down tools for the holiday, my most sincere wish for you is a period of rest, peace and happiness. Cherish the laughter, the good food, and the company of family and friends. You’ve more than earned it.
Thank you for your incredible commitment. Let’s return in January refreshed and ready to build on our success.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic start to the New Year!
Best Wishes
Finbarr O’Regan
MD
A Round of Applause for Our Newest Safety Champions: Cian O Neill and Greg Cahill!
Here at Kiernan Engineering, we talk a lot about safety. It’s in our manuals, our meetings, and our daily briefings. But true safety is more than just words on a page—it’s a mindset, a culture, and a commitment that is lived and breathed every single day on our sites. It’s about looking out for one another and making sure everyone goes home in the same healthy condition they arrived.
Recently, we have two outstanding individuals who have not only embraced this culture but have truly embodied it, earning them the well-deserved title of Safety Champions.
Please join us in congratulating Cian and Greg for their exceptional contributions to safety on their recent project. Their vigilance, proactive attitude, and unwavering dedication have set a powerful example for everyone at Kiernan Engineering.
Xmas party 2025
We had our office Christmas party in the Clayton Hotel in Cork on Friday night 28th November. A great night was had by all. The venue was fantastic as was the food but more importantly the company was amazing. Merry Christmas everyone!
The Kiernan Engineering Golf Classic Was a Swinging Success!
The Kiernan Engineering Golf Classic Was a Swinging Success!
Move over, satellite imagery and complex calculations, because for one glorious day, the most important numbers were our scores (which we’ve generously agreed not to disclose for the sake of public morale). The annual Kiernan Engineering Golf Classic teed off on the 29th September this year, and what a day it was!
The air was thick with the sound of soaring dreams, slicing drives, and the gentle rustle of someone desperately looking for their ball in the rough for the fifth time. We witnessed a spectacular gathering of our finest employees, our brilliant clients, our invaluable suppliers, and our long-suffering friends who agreed to spend a day with us despite knowing our handicaps.
And the Winners Are…!
After a gruelling 18 holes where patience was the real winner, our crack team of scorekeepers (armed with abacuses and a strong pot of coffee) finally crunched the numbers. A massive, fairway-shaking round of applause is due to our 2025 champions:
John Collins, John Corkery, and Paul O’Brien!
These three titans of the turf managed to navigate the perils of sand, water, and their own competitive banter to claim the coveted top spot. Rumour has it their secret weapon was a shared, almost psychic, ability to find each other’s balls. They now have bragging rights for an entire year. Congratulations, gentlemen!
A Heartfelt Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored a hole, or simply stood well back from the tee boxes to ensure their own safety. Days like these are what make Kiernan Engineering more than just a workplace; they make it a community. A slightly golf-obsessed, mildly competitive, but always good-humoured community.
Halfway to Making a Difference: Kiernan Engineering Reaches Milestone on Cork Surgical Hub
There’s a palpable sense of momentum and achievement at the Cork University Hospital campus , where the new state-of-the-art Cork Surgical Hub is rapidly taking shape. Kiernan Engineering is proud to announce that we have officially passed the halfway point on this transformative project, a significant milestone that brings us one step closer to delivering a vital healthcare asset for the community.
The journey to this point has been one of intense, busy, and highly focused work. The project site has been a hive of activity, with progress being made daily thanks to an unwavering commitment from every single member of the team. Reaching the midway mark is a testament to the skill, dedication, and collaborative spirit that defines the Kiernan Engineering approach.
A Collective Effort, A Shared Success
This achievement is not the result of one individual, but of a complete and dedicated team working in perfect synchrony. From the meticulous planning of our Project Management team to the on-the-ground leadership of our Supervisors, every layer of the organisation has played a crucial role.
A special mention must be made of our Safety Team, whose vigilant oversight ensures that every task is completed without compromise, protecting our most valuable asset: our people. Their commitment to a zero-incident culture is the bedrock upon which our progress is built.
Most importantly, we extend our deepest gratitude to all personnel involved, with a particular salute to the crews on the ground. These are the individuals turning plans into reality, day in and day out. They are the ones carrying out the complex installations, navigating tight schedules, and embodying the hard work and expertise that is driving this project forward. They are the backbone of this endeavour, and their dedication is truly inspiring.
Proud of Our People, Confident in Our Future
“We simply couldn’t have asked for a better team,” said a spokesperson for Kiernan Engineering. “The commitment we have witnessed from everyone, from management to our tradespeople, has been phenomenal. They are completely dedicated to the successful delivery of the Cork Surgical Hub, understanding the profound impact it will have on patient care in the region. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together so far.”
As we move into the second half of the project, the focus remains on maintaining this excellent standard of work, upholding our core values of safety, quality, and collaboration. The journey is far from over, but with the team we have in place, Kiernan Engineering is confident and excited for the phases ahead.
The Cork Surgical Hub represents more than just a construction project; it is a promise of enhanced medical services and a healthier future for the community. We are honoured to play a part in its creation and look forward to celebrating its completion.
Well done to the entire Kiernan Engineering team on this fantastic achievement. Onwards and upwards
Building Strong Minds: Welcoming The Lighthouse Charity to Our Site
Here at Kiernan Engineering, we pride ourselves on building robust, lasting structures. But this year, we’ve reinforced our understanding that the most critical foundation of any project isn’t made of concrete and steel—it’s the mental wellbeing of our team.
Back in July, we were privileged to welcome a representative from The Lighthouse Charity to our site at Pfizer Ringaskiddy again. The Lighthouse Charity is a vital organisation dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention within our industry, offering a beacon of hope and practical support to construction professionals.
The session, attended by our site management, engineers, and crews, was both impactful and deeply moving. The representative from The Lighthouse spoke candidly about the unique pressures faced in our line of work—from tight deadlines and high-stakes environments to the sometimes-isolating nature of the job. They provided clear, actionable strategies for recognising signs of mental distress in ourselves and our colleagues, emphasising the power of a simple, honest conversation.
“The talk from The Lighthouse Charity was a powerful reminder of why our ‘Safety First’ culture must encompass psychological safety as well as physical safety,” said John Collins, Site Manager. “It equipped our team with the tools not just to be better workmates, but to be a stronger, more supportive community on site.”
This initiative is a key part of Kiernan Engineering’s ongoing commitment to the holistic wellbeing of every member of our team. We believe that fostering an environment where people feel supported, heard, and valued is fundamental to our success as a company and as an industry.
Together, we build more than just projects. We build a supportive community.
Meet Thomas Hughes our EHS Officer
Meet Thomas one of our EHS Advisors who joined Kiernan Engineering earlier this year. Here is what Thomas has to say about us:
“I’m delighted to have joined Kiernan’s Engineering in May of this year. It has been a busy few months right from the start.
I’m currently the health and safety advisor on the Cork Surgical Hub and Irving Oil refinery in Whitegate projects. After completing 21 years’ service in the Irish Defence Forces I was looking to join a company with a vison for the future and a strong safety and team ethic. After meeting with Lilianne the Kiernan EHS Manager, I knew straight away this was going to be the right move for me.
We have an excellent EHS team headed by Lilianne and we are all encouraged to keep developing ourselves professionally.
I’m studying a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety at the moment and I’ve completed a Fire Safety Instructors course where I run courses across the company to upskill our employees.
Helping people daily on all our sites is very rewarding and I look forward to continuing to promote a positive Health and Safety culture.”
Kiernan Engineering was definitely the right move for me and every day I learn something new forging a way to make me the best EHS officer I can be.
Recognising our Apprentice Sean Buckley
Recognising our Apprentice Sean Buckley who recently completed a Level 6 in Industrial Instrumentation and Calibration in MTU.
Sean is a fulltime apprentice with Kiernan Engineering and took the initiative over the last two years to study Industrial Instrumentation and Calibration part time in MTU …this is what Sean had to say about his studies:
“The course I completed was a Level 6 in Industrial Instrumentation and Calibration at MTU Cork. It took place over two years, as I added some optional electives, running Monday to Thursday from 6–10 p.m. I really enjoyed it, as it gave me a deeper understanding of subjects such as instrument measurement and control, process calibration, and AutoCAD.
From this course, I gained many new skills and knowledge, including testing and commissioning instruments, as well as calibrating instruments with up-to-date technology and techniques.
My favourite part was definitely the field investigation we carried out with the EPA at Cork Airport, testing air quality and noise pollution in the area.
The most difficult part was the long evenings—finishing work and then heading straight into MTU—but it was worth it in the long run.
At the moment, I have applied for the Level 7 in Instrumentation and PLC Systems.
Well Done to You Sean!
Waterford Surgical hub progressing
Kiernan Engineering receives Awards from JJR in Surgical Hub Waterford in September & October
Ryan Smith recieves award from our client Irving Oil – Apprentice of the Month
Iani Lopes KE Safety Advisor attending NISO seminar on Respiratory Hazards
Thought for the day
