Stephen McCoy, of Callan Construction, has been chosen by judges to feature as a finalist in The Craftsperson of the Year Award at The ABC Awards 2024. Stephen will find out if he has won this prestigious award on Friday 23rd February 2024 at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, where The Association of Brickwork Contractors are hosting their annual awards ceremony.
Stephen McCoy of Callan Brickwork is a highly competent craftsman who began his career in 1995 serving as an apprentice in Dublin. During his apprenticeship he served his time with the main contractor who spent valuable time teaching him the trade without commercial pressures. His ability to lay bricks came naturally to him and his attention to detail and finesse ensures all tasks are completed to an extremely high standard.
Stephen has always had a passion for new and old buildings and during the late 1990s worked on the restoration of Connolly Station in Dublin which was originally opened in 1844. Over the years, Stephen gained experience and technical knowledge working in Dublin and Scotland for companies such as SISK and John Paul Construction. In recent years, Callan Construction have been extremely lucky to have his presence on various sites in Dublin including two Ballymore projects Dublin landings and 8th Lock, Royal Canal and a hotel for McAleer and Rushe. Stephen has strong family connections in the bricklaying trade and works alongside his brothers and nephew.
When tasked with the brief of building the superb extension to this Dublin Georgian home, in keeping with the spirit of the building, Stephen excelled creating a new space at the heart of this home.
Stephen’s motivation to excel goes hand in hand with the standard of his practical skill and he demands nothing less than perfection in his work and that of others he is working with. He studied and researched the ancient practice of intricate arch work. The magnificent arches were created using multiple shaped timber framework set up on folding wedges which had to be removed carefully to expose the finished brickwork. As the brick on the extension was completely different to the house, care and attention to detail created a seamless transition between old and new leaving it both sophisticated and sympathetic to the surrounding structure.
His calmness and professionalism have earned him the respect of many and his willingness to assist in the training of others has ensured that his skill and technical experience continues to be passed on to future craftsmen including his own nephew, an apprentice of Callan Brickwork.
SIG Construction Accessories are proud sponsors of this category at The ABC Awards 2024, and present the award to the winner on the night..
