The annual landscape awards were hosted by the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland held in the National Convention Centre, Dublin on Friday, March 6th, 2020. The independently judged awards acknowledge excellence in the design, construction and maintenance of landscapes, gardens and sports ground across the island of Ireland. “This was an outstanding year for me,” commented Gary Graham, Marketing Manager with Bord Bia and head judge. “I’m used to seeing exceptional work, but this year really stood out in terms of scale, quality and complexity of endeavours,”.
Despite the incredible competition this year, the team from O’Brien’s were delighted to receive awards for each of their three entries, which represented the four pillars of the business: design, construction, maintenance and sports.
Award of Merit (Commercial Design and Construction, Central park, Sandyford)
- Unique in an Irish context, this large scale commercial design and build project was a first for the team and brought together a wide range of skills and experience. Gary Graham said of the scheme: “This is a very challenging retrofit scheme that required bespoke planting and seating solutions including podium systems over underground car parking. With a very high level of collaboration and coordination of trades this elegant but durable design was delivered with great precision by a very accomplished team in a highly trafficked space.” You can read more about the scheme here.
Award of Merit (Commercial Landscape Maintenance, Central park, Sandyford)
- Not only did we get an award for the design and build, but our maintenance division were also acknowledged for the ongoing upkeep. Well done Thomas and all the team.
Special Award (Sports Ground Design and Build, St Sylvesters GAA Club, Malahide)
- This special and rarely bestowed honour was awarded to the O’Brien’s team for their exceptional work designing and installing the world-class all-weather facilities at the prestigious St Sylvester’s GAA Club. “The O’Brien’s team far exceeded client expectations on this project and demonstrated their vast knowledge and experience in designing and maximising the site’s potential,” commented Gary Graham.
Overall Winner (Sports Ground Design and Construction, St Sylvesters GAA Club, Malahide)
- Despite the incredible competition for this award, the complexity and challenges of the scheme and the world-class results produce put the O’Brien’s team well ahead of the competition. “Like everything we do, we work together, combine our skills and only accept the highest possible standards. On this project, we worked very closely with the club committee and the scheme speaks for itself,” explained Gregg Fanning, Head of Sports and Drainage. “This pitch not only allows the club to train and play year round but the team made great use of the previously underutilised ancillary space to create a warm up track. The change in levels was used to create an elevated pitch side viewing area. Peter O’Brien & Sons experience and extensive technical knowledge (including detailing of below substructure and drainage) have been put to use to create a well-executed and impressive end result,” Gary Graham.
Speaking at the awards, Company Director, Peter O’Toole said; “We are honoured, proud and i think deserved recipients. We have a fantastic team of people at O’Brien’s. From administration, logistics, construction, foremen, managers, machine operators, designers and everyone in between, they are all amazing. The awards simply confirm it. On behalf of the company, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone in O’Briens. You are a credit to yourselves and the company. “
Read more about our Sports and drainage services here