Ardmag 'Borrow It' Edition: Oct 2023

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The ‘Borrow It’ Edition

Oct 2023

Alan (Brad) Bradshaw Rest in Peace

Alan worked with Ardmac for many years and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His outgoing fun-loving personality will be greatly missed by all his colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alan’s wife Michelle, children Daniel, Nicole, and Rebecca, all his loved ones and friends at this extremely difficult time. A number of his colleagues wanted to do something in his memory and to show solidarity with his family a Gofundme page has been set up, which you are welcome to contribute to if you wish.

Click here to donate: https://gofund.me/5df9acb7

“But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favorite chair and take out his pipe and light it and then fill the afternoon with stories of places he has been and things he has done since last he saw you.”

Hel

Stephen King, ‘Salem’s Lot’

Hello Ardmac and Hello October

As we enter the month of Samhain, we are also engaging in Construction Safety Month 2023. In our industry, safety, of course, is of huge importance, and in October we will look to educate and alert our teams to the daily workplace dangers around us. The theme of Construction Safety Month 2023 is Focus on Critical Risk. We have the usual good news stories, a few hometown write ups, a look at the history of halloween and team updates.

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We’re always eager to hear about community news and uplifting stories, so don’t hesitate to share any updates or reviews with us! Reach out to taine.kingofarrell@ardmac.com or use our submission form here: https://forms.microsoft.com/e/8AGp9fS99n

https://www.etsy.com/SharonDrawingShop

Oct 2023

llo October

October (Construction Safety Month)

World Mental Health Day

World Mens Health Day

Bank Holiday

good news A round up of good news from all over the business. It’s important for us all to celebrate the little things and get to know one another. So if you have any good news stories – Please send your good news stories to Emma.Hoey@ardmac.com at any time during the month.

SHEQ Department

Dragos Stanca

CONGRATULATIONS The SHEQ department just received ROSPA Order of distinction for a 23rd consecutive year.

WELCOME LITTLE ONE On August 4th Dragos and his wife happily welcomed their little baby girl Amelia into the world.

Oct 2023

Krzysztof Osiński

Damien McCorry

SAFETY FIRST Last month, the team celebrated the achievement of 100,000 working hours without Lost Time Accident (LTI) on NIUSF project in Finland. The supervision team organised and delivered pizzas for all the crew involved in the delivery of this project.

Alan Coakley

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Happy 40th birthday Hugh from all at Ardmac

A very proud Tess McCorry, who is in Senior Infants in St Fursey’s NS Dundalk and who planted and looked after this amazing sunflower. Her teacher Mrs Hamill sent home little seeds with each of her students when they were in her Junior Infants class last year. Well done Tess

more news A round up of good news from all over the business. It’s important for us all to celebrate the little things and get to know one another. So if you have any good news stories – Please send your good news stories to Emma.Hoey@ardmac.com at any time during the month.

Lee Carabini

Declan Moore

JUST MARRIED Declan and Sandra got married in July in Raheen Woods in Galway. Congratulations!

JUST MARRIED Lee and Avril got married last August in beautiful Italy. Congratulations!

Oct 2023

Emma Hoey

JUST MARRIED Emma and Sam got married in September. Congratulations!

At Ardmac we want to encourage our people to look after their wellbeing by creating opportuntites to: improve our physical health, focus on our mental health, consider our financial wellbeing, get to know our colleagues better (social), celebrate equality, diversity & inclusion and by

giving back to our communities. Ardmac Annual Cycle for Hope 2023

On Sunday 10th of September, World Suicide Prevention Day, we gathered to Cycle for Hope once again in aid of Pieta House. We were delighted to have such strong engagement from our contacts in the construction industry. Ardmac matched all funding and as a result we have raised over €62,000! We hope to have also encouraged conversation and raised awareness of mental health services and supports through our campaigns in the months leading up to the Cycle for Hope itself.

Pieta provide professional, one-to-one therapeutic services to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide www.pieta.ie. The funds raised will support and provide services to many who are going through their most difficult moments. We hosted the cycle from Swords Business Campus with great support from Swords Cycling Club. Cyclists joined us from all over Ireland and even flew in from overseas to participate. We had 123 fantastic cyclists and walkers on the day.

€62,000 raised, 123 Cyclists

“Cycle for Hope embodies our dedication to ‘building better’ in the community. It’s more than an event; it’s a testament to our own values, uniting our community to make a tangible difference for a fantastic organisation like Pieta, that supports people during their most challenging times. We are committed to giving back where we can, and we take that very seriously. Building our community is key to a better tomorrow for all generations.”

Roy Millar, Chief Business Officer

Oct 2023

A letter from Lisa Harber, Corporate Partnerships, Trust & Foundations and Major Gift Officer, Pieta

Pieta provides a professional one to one service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self- harm and those bereaved by suicide. We have 20 centres across Ireland and employ over 200 therapists and support staff. All our services are free of charge and no referral is needed. Since our doors opened in 2006 the charity has seen and helped over 70,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self harm. Your support has a very real impact on the service users who access Pieta. Although all of our services are free of charge to clients, we estimate that the cost of putting a client through a full suite of therapy is in the region of €1500. Through your support and with the help of our therapists, our clients will be brought from a place of despair to a place of hope and will be in a position to live a more fulfilled life. Through this work we can carry out our vision of creating “A World where Suicide, Self-Harm and Stigma have been replaced by Hope, Self-Care and Acceptance”. Pieta receives 80% of its income through fundraising and donations, so your support is vital to us. Once again many thanks for your generous donation. It really keeps us focused to see the support all around us. Pieta is so thankful to have the wonderful support of Ardmac, this support will help the team at Pieta to sustain our free, lifesaving services and will help those in distress move to a place of hope and light during these most challenging times. This wonderful support helps us continue providing our service which offers one to one counselling for people who are suicidal, people engaging in self-harming behaviours and people who are bereaved by suicide, and for this we are extremely grateful. We are so grateful to you all at Ardmac for your continued support and thank you all for your kindness which is enabling us to continue delivering our services to the people who need it.

‘Focus on Critical Risk’ Safety Month 2023

The theme of CIF Construction Safety Month 2023 is ‘Focus on Critical Risk’. For the month of October, we have a number of safety activities lined up to better educate and alert our teams to the daily workplace dangers around us.

This safety month, we are reminding all workers to examine fundamental safety questions such as:

Do you know your critical risks? Have you got controls in place to manage these risks? Are your colleagues aware of these risks? Are the controls in place adequate to protect safety?

CIF Safety Month activities at Ardmac will span across a host of different sites.

WEEK 1 For week one, we had 1-hour practical demonstrations on site, showcasing how to safely and effectively work at height. We know it’s crucial to put time aside to refresh skills. Other areas covered around the topic included choosing the correct equipment, safe operation of MEWPs, operational maintenance checks and the safe use of a harness. Safety when working at heights is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Proper precautions, such as using fall protection equipment, securing ladders and adequate scaffolding, and ensuring proper training, help minimise risks. We can never be too mindful as we strive to continuously improve and better our awareness in this area. WEEK 2 Heading into Week 2, we will then see a new area being covered which focuses on the importance of hazardous energies. Some points here to be covered are preparing for applications, applying LOTO devices, confirming the isolation. Lockout Tagout (LOTO) is a safety method enforced by putting the appropriate lockout or tagout devices to energy- isolating devices, in accordance with an established procedure, ensuring that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed. Common examples of LOTO devices are Lockout Padlocks, Electrical Lockout Devices, Valve Lockout Devices, Cable Lockout Devices etc.

Oct 2023

WEEK 3 On Week 3 of CIF Safety Month there will be a PowerPoint presentation distributed to all sites via the SHEQ department. This presentation will be centered around task planning, with one of the focal points being the importance of completing an SPA (pre-planning) correctly. Also, as part of Week 3, we will bring a short First Aid Safety Awareness principles talk with Laura Quigley who is a qualified SRN instructor covering various construction safety related topics. Laura has worked in various healthcare and safety roles with excellent experience in dealing with emergency situations. She teaches how to particularly focus on awareness of your surroundings, and also, prevention. A crucial subject to be familiar with, this is an excellent opportunity to pick up some vital information pertaining to an active site and its dangers. WEEK 4 Upon the closing week of Safety Month, we are delighted to be welcoming Declan Treanor, Health and Wellness Coach and Presenter, who will join us on site to discuss Mental Health and Wellbeing in construction. Declan will be across various Ardmac sites from Monday the 23rd of October to Thursday the 26th of October. A subject of great importance at Ardmac, this initiative follows on from our hugely successful Cycle for Hope just past last month, where we raised over 60k for Pieta. Declan will help teach us all about some techniques to help go about your day in a more positive and upbeat manner. Some areas in which Declan touches on are -

1. How to ask for help and support. 2. How to be more positive and broaden your outlook 3. The distorted internal dialogue and thinking patterns 4. Strategies to improve your mood and energy

Oct 2023

World Suicide Prevention Day SEptember 10th To mark World Suicide Prevention Day and to encourage open discussion on suicide in Construction, we were delighted to have Carole Ann Clarke with us this week for a fireside chat with our HR Director, Wesley Duffy. Carole Ann spoke about some of the myths surrounding suicide, how we might spot when someone is struggling, the power of listening and reflecting back what you have noticed when you tell someone why you are worried about them. Having discussed very openly what happens in the aftermath of a suicide, one of the key messages was that we should never be afraid to approach someone we are concerned about, nor should we ever be afraid to talk to someone if we know in our gut that we are not feeling ok.

You can watch the full chat here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2hwrrf

Oct 2023

What emotional support can you offer?

What can I do if someone doesn’t want my help?

If someone lets you know that they are experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings, it’s common to feel like you don’t know what to do or say – but you don’t need any special training to show someone you care about them. Often just being there for someone and doing small things can be really valuable. For example: Listen. Simply giving someone space to talk, and listening to how they’re feeling, can be really helpful in itself. If they’re finding it difficult, let them know that you’re there when they are ready. Offer reassurance. Seeking help can feel lonely, and sometimes scary. You can reassure someone by letting them know that they are not alone, and that you will be there to help. Stay calm. Even though it might be upsetting to hear that someone you care about is distressed, try to stay calm. This will help your friend or family member feel calmer too, and show them that they can talk to you openly without upsetting you. Be patient. You might want to know more details about their thoughts and feelings, or want them to get help immediately. But it’s important to let them set the pace for seeking support themselves. Try not to make assumptions. Your perspective might be useful to your friend or family member, but try not to assume that you already know what may have caused their feelings, or what will help. Keep social contact. Part of the emotional support you offer could be to keep things as normal as possible. This could include involving your friend or family member in social events, or chatting about other parts of your lives.

If you feel that someone you know is clearly struggling but can’t or won’t reach out for help, and won’t accept any help you offer, it’s understandable to feel frustrated, distressed and powerless. But it’s important to accept that they are an individual, and that there are always limits to what you can do to support another person. You can: Be patient. You won’t always know the full story, and there may be reasons why they are finding it difficult to ask for help. Offer emotional support and reassurance. Let them know you care and you’ll be there if they change their mind.

Inform them how to seek help when they’re ready.

Look after yourself, and make sure you don’t become unwell yourself. You can’t: Force someone to talk to you. It can take time for someone to feel able to talk openly, and putting pressure on them to talk might make them feel less comfortable telling you about their experiences. Force someone to get help (if they’re over 18, and it’s not an emergency situation). As adults, we are all ultimately responsible for making our own decisions. This includes when – or if – we choose to seek help when we feel unwell.

You can call 999 and ask for the police to help. If it is an emergency situation and you feel someone is a danger to themselves or others

At Ardmac we want to encourage our people to look after their wellbeing by creating opportunities to: improve our physical health, focus on our mental health, consider our financial wellbeing, get to know our colleagues better (social), celebrate equality, diversity & inclusion and by giving back to our communities. October Schedule of Events

World Mental Health Day (10th of October).

Cultural Celebration (20th of October).

We welcomed Declan Treanor from “Performance Treanor” to our Swords office. To mark “World Mental Health Day”, Declan delivered his “Mental Health Booster” workshop. The well-being of our team is one of the key pillars we proudly focus on as part of our Sky Blue Commitments.

We invited our Romanian colleagues to showcase their cultural identity with us. The Denmark team laid out a great spread of food and cultural information.

See more overleaf

Oct 2023

Retirement Planning.

They say it is never too early to start planning for retirement, although speaking as someone with 46 years’ service, please don’t take my word for it! In order to help those are approaching retirement age, the company is providing pre- retirement courses, which is an important step in planning to enjoy the fruits of our labour, or so I am told anyway. For anyone who is over the age of 58 and is interested can you please send an e-mail to the HR team (human.resources@ ardmac.com) to arrange to attend one of these sessions. For the avoidance of doubt, this does not mean that you have to retire anytime soon, it simply encourages people to plan towards it so that when you do retire it makes the transition from work easier.

A look ahead for November.

Cormac Smyth and Terry Keegan will be working to deliver another busy month of events In November as follows:

• • •

Movember

World Mens Health Day (19th Nov) Orchards in the Community

Movember

From 30 moustaches to 5 million From humble beginnings, the Movember movement has grown into a truly global one. They have made epic progress in men’s health, We are asking the Ardmac community to get involved, talk about mental health and grow their moustache and raise vital funds. “Start Movember clean-shaven. Then start growing. The moustache is a powerful symbol that stands for healthier men and a healthier world. Let it mesmerise and be spellbound, so you can start life-saving conversations about men’s health.” Cormac Smyth and Terry Keegan will be in touch before the end of October with sign up details

Romanian cultural day Presentation Thank you Simona Giangu

Traditional Romanian Costume Traditional Romania costume from Muntenia zone of the country. Handmade and hand embroidered. A folk costume has the value given by stitching and authenticity. At the same time, if it has a more complex, richer seam, the suit is more valuable. It can take up to hundreds of days for a full costume to be completed. The folk costume is over 100 years old, most often bequeathed from generation to generation. The Romanian popular costume finds its roots in the part of Thracian, Dacian and Getae ancestors and resembles that of the peoples of the Balkan Peninsula, of course with differences consisting of decorative and colourful details. For example, women’s portraits carved on Trajan’s Column in Rome after the Dacian Wars provide information about their clothing. Dacian women wore shirts rippled at the neck. Sleeves were either long and wide or short. The dress was long to the ground, over which sometimes was attached a wide draped mantle. In the feet, they wore leather sandals in summer and fur sandals in winter

The Merry Cemetery – Sapanta, Romania The Merry Cemetery (Romanian: Cimitirul Vesel pronounced [t͡ ʃimiˈtirul ˈvesel]) is a cemetery in the village of Săpânța, Maramureș County, Romania. The cemetery’s origins are linked with the name of Stan Ioan Pătraș, a local artist who sculpted the first tombstone crosses. In 1935, Pătraș carved the first epitaph and, as of the 1960s, more than 800 of such oak wood crosses came into sight. It is famous for its brightly coloured tombstones with naïve paintings describing, in an original and poetic manner, the people who are buried there in addition to scenes from their lives. The Merry Cemetery became an open-air museum and a national tourist attraction. It has been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania by Imperator Travel. The unusual feature of this cemetery is that it diverges from the prevalent belief, culturally shared within European societies, that views death as something indelibly solemn. Connections with the local Dacian culture have been made, whose philosophical tenets presumably vouched for the immortality of the soul and the belief that death was a moment filled with joy and anticipation for a better life (see also Zalmoxianism). 26

Oct 2023

Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle) This is a national monument and landmark in Transylvania. The fortress is on the Transylvanian side of the historical border with Wallachia. Commonly known outside Transylvania as Dracula’s Castle, it is marketed as the home of the title character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. There is no evidence that Stoker knew anything about this castle, which has only tangential associations with Vlad the Impaler, voivode of Wallachia, who shares his name with Dracula. The castle is now a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie.Tourists can see the interior on their own or by a guided tour. At the bottom of the hill is a small open-air museum exhibiting traditional Romanian peasant structures (cottages, barns, water-driven machinery, etc.) from the Bran region.

Romanian cuisine is a diverse blend of different dishes from several traditions with which it has come into contact, but it also maintains its own character. It has been mainly influenced by Turkish and a series of European cuisines in particular from the Balkans, or Hungarian cuisine as well as culinary elements stemming from the cuisines of Central Europe. Romanian cuisine includes numerous holiday dishes arranged according to the mentioned season and holiday since the country has its roots in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Romanian dishes consist of vegetables, cereals, fruits, honey, milk, dairy products, meat and game. Multiple different types of dishes are available, which are sometimes included under a generic term; for example, the category ciorbă includes a wide range of soups with a characteristic sour taste. Variations include meat and vegetable soup, tripe (ciorbă de burtă) and calf foot soup, or fish soup, all of which are soured by lemon juice, sauerkraut juice (zeamă de varză), vinegar, or borș (traditionally made from bran). The category țuică (plum brandy) is a name for a strong alcoholic spirit in Romania.

Beans and smoked meat, traditionally served with either fresh or pickled hot pepper.

Traditional woven coils decorate the Christmas and New Year tables in our homes, waiting to pass into the lives of the carolers flushed by the cold who cross our threshold. Traditionally, they receive coils, apples and nuts. The cakes can also be eaten as dessert, being actually smaller braided cakes.

strategy for a happier life? Borrow It. https://www.thenewhappy.com/blog/borrow-it

You don’t have to muster up everything that you need from within you. You can borrow it from other people — at no cost to them.

There are three ways to borrow: by watching, by listening, and by presence.

Oct 2023

Watching: Think about someone you admire. How would they deal with the situation that you’re in? Try acting like they would. Listening: Reach out to someone and ask for their advice. Ask, “What would you do in my shoes?” or “Do you have any advice for me?” Presence: Think about who you want next to you as you navigate this moment. Send them a message, saying “I’m struggling. Would you be there for me as I try to get through it?”

You will get so much further if you don’t insist on going it alone. And you’ll be so much happier along the way, too.

When you feel weak, borrow someone’s strength When you feel tired, borrow someone’s energy When you feel sad, borrow someone’s compassion When you feel lonely, borrow someone’s presence When you feel anxious, borrow someone’s calm When you feel angry, borrow someone’s perspective

To borrow a phrase from Jason Casey - “One team, one dream” - this has become the Ardmac community unofficial motto, as the success of our team and projects depend on it. Borrow from your colleagues, team and leaders - feel inspired by the wealth of expertise, life knowledge, talent and confidence on display daily. Look out for one another and grow together, and lets not forget to ‘enjoy the journey’.

When you’re sad, how do you treat yourself with love & Compassion? adapted from https://www.thenewhappy.com

“Good food, music and shopping.”

“I’m learning to give myself permission to sit with it and process it: “I’m sad and that’s ok because it’s human.” Then I treat myself to something easy like a tv show; and then I get back to doing, because once I’ve acknowledged it, my best bet for not dwelling on it is distraction and doing.”

“I think about what my younger self would say to me.”

“I bake my favorite vanilla sprinkle cake while blasting Taylor Swift sad songs.” “Crying hard and letting it out… writing down my feelings… drawing with crayons.”

“I drive to my favourite coffee shop.”

“Read a book in bed. Very regulating for me.”

“I look at the best memories captured in my camera roll.”

“I think about what my younger self would say to me.”

“Watch comfort movie, eat yummy food, put on face mask, hang out with friends.”

“I keep a journal where I write down all of the good things that happened to me that day. On the sad days, I look back at the journal and remind myself that I’m loved and am doing okay.”

“Journaling or going for a walk.”

“Slow down, guard my time, and take time to care for myself.”

“Eat!”

“I tell myself it’s normal being sad. I accept the feeling and it helps me.”

“Validating my emotions. Writing my feelings down.”

“I let myself cry.”

“Pushing myself to dress up and go for a stroll somewhere with people, walk around.”

“I go for a walk in nature. Give myself permission to cry and feel my emotions.” “Self-care practices. Taking it easy. Reminding myself that the feeling will eventually pass.”

“Being proud of myself for feeling, without emotions we aren’t human. Also, comfort TV.” “I give myself a nice bath and just relax. Usually after I’m sad I have a skincare day.”

“Taking time to pass through it”

“Cook myself something I love.”

“I hangout with myself.”

“Listen to what my body needs.”

“Deep breaths and kind words.” 30

Oct 2023

Ardmac Golf Society Update

Massive congratulations to Mick O’Keeffe, 2023 Player of the Year. That Green Jacket fit like a glove! Mick has his Christmas outfit sorted now! It was a fantastic finish to the season and we look forward to following Shane’s lead in 2024. Season Wrap-Up

The 2023 season was brought to a close at Hollywood Lakes on Sept 29th. A beautifully maintained, long course and a cracking sunny day! Everything came down to this day, the 6th outing with 3 in contention for the win; Richie, Graeme and Mick. Richie is Out – He’s on a dancefloor somewhere! Graeme – Was back in his homeland but made the choppy sailing back just in time. Mick – Present & Correct! With strong winds, tiring bodies and nowhere near enough snacks (bar Peter Blake!)… Mick finished on 12 points, closely followed by Graeme & Richie on 11 points.

2023 Season has come to a close

What a successful year it has been: 6 fantastic & sunny outings.

1 very deserving winner. A dedicated committee. A very welcoming, fun and enthusiastic society.

Oct 2023

The society is continually growing, with new employees signing up to the society. We saw more diversity this year than ever, with 4 ladies swinging a club; more of that to come in 2024!!

An average of 20 members playing in each outing which is smashing!

General participation and craic having was right across the board!

Very generous sponsors made for a lovely finish to the season, and a tight leaderboard made for an exciting last outing! I have loved being your captain this year and will miss it (it’s the power!).Thank you all for your support.

2024 is in safe hands with Captain Shane at the helm.

Michelle

lighthouse club Visit site World Suicide Prevention Day

Ardmac welcomed Natalie Ryan, who is the Lighthouse Regional Ambassador for Ireland, who gave a talk to over 100 of our colleagues on-site recently.

Oct 2023

Ardmac wellness calendar: Financial wellbeing

Recently Ardmac’s finance manager, Keith Egan shared his expertise and advice amongst colleagues with regard to ‘Financial Wellbeing’.

Halloween : An Irish History Adapted from https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/

Far from the child-friendly event it has become, Halloween can trace its origins to a ritual marked in Rathcroghan, a former Celtic centre buried beneath the farmland of Ireland’s County Roscommon. Considered by the ancient Celts to be a passage between Ireland and its devil-infested “otherworld,” Oweynagat (pronounced “Oen-na-gat” and meaning “cave of the cats”) was the birthplace of the Samhain festival, the ancient roots of Halloween, according to Irish archaeologist Daniel Curley. More than 2,000 years ago, when paganism was the dominant practise among Ireland’s majority Celtic people, it was here in Rathcroghan that the Celtic New Year festival of Samhain (“Sow-in”) was born, Curley says. In the 1800s, the Samhain tradition was brought by Irish immigrants to the United States, where it morphed into the sugar overload that is the American Halloween. Pagan Celts divided each year into summer and winter. Within that framework were four festivities. Imbolc , on February 1, was a spring festival that coincided with lambing season. Bealtaine , on May 1, marked the end of winter and involved customs like washing one’s face in dew, plucking the first blooming flowers, and dancing around a decorated tree. August 1 heralded Lughnasadh, a harvest festival dedicated to the god Lugh and presided over by Celtic kings. Then on October 31 came Samhain, when one pastoral year ended and another began. Festivalgoers made ritual offerings. Those gifts were directed to the spirits of Ireland’s underworld, says Mike McCarthy, a Rathcroghan tour guide and researcher. That murky, subterranean dimension, also known as Tír na nÓg (“Teer-na-nohg”), was inhabited by Celtic devils, fairies, and leprechauns. During Samhain, some of these demons escaped via Oweynagat cave. “Samhain was when the invisible wall between the living world and the otherworld disappeared,” McCarthy says. “A whole host of fearsome otherworldly beasts emerged to ravage the surrounding landscape and make it ready for winter.” Thankful for the agricultural efforts of these spirits, but wary of falling victim to their fury, the Celts protected themselves from physical harm by lighting ritual bonfires on hilltops and in fields. To avoid being dragged deep into Tír na nÓg by the devils, they disguised themselves as fellow ghouls. Two millennia later, young children the world over follow this tradition on Halloween. In an early form of trick-or-treating, Celts costumed as spirits are believed to have gone from house to house engaging in silly acts in exchange for food and drink—a practice inspired perhaps by an earlier custom of leaving food and drink outdoors as offerings to supernatural beings. Samhain was later transformed as Christian leaders co-opted pagan holidays. In the seventh century Pope Boniface IV decreed November 1 All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows’ Day.The night before Samhain continued to be observed with bonfires, costumes, and parades, though under a new name: All Hallows’ Eve— later ‘Halloween’.

Oct 2023

Does your family celebrate halloween? Please send in your family traditions and halloween photos to our online form https://forms.office.com/e/8AGp9fS99n We will choose a winning photograph before the next Ardmag edition for a prize

BONFIRES The community would gather together and light huge fires to ward off bad fortune for the coming year and any evil spirits. Jack-o-lanterns In order to carry home an ember from the communal bonfire, the people would hollow out a turnip so they could walk home with the fire still burning. The switch from the turnip to pumpkin happened soon after the great potato famine of the 1800s. It caused a mass migration of Irish people to settle in the USA. It was concluded that pumpkins were a lot easier to carve, and so the famous jack-o-lantern was born. Costumes The community dressed in animal skins and heads, if spirits happened to be wandering the earth and bumped into one of the Celts they might think they were spirits themselves, and let them go free. Barmbrack From the Irish name “Bairín Breac,” this is a traditional Irish Halloween cake which essentially a sweet bread with fruit through it as well as some other treats. Often a ring would be hidden for someone to find. Apple Halloween games Bobbing for apples in a basin of water or hanging an apple from a string. The apples are associated with love and fertility.

Thank you to Magali Szalay for sending in pictures of the Ardmac office in Belgium!!

As you know we have 27 different nationalities working at Ardmac! We have asked our team to tell us about their home town, county or city. We are hoping this will be a regular feature so stay tuned for some wonderful places to visit near and far. Please get in touch to tell us about your home and its must see sights! Tell us about your home town, county or city?

Jordan Let me take you on a journey from the heart of Jordan, a land that captivates the senses with its stunning landscapes and rich history. Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum to the ancient marvels of Petra. As a Jordanian, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the timeless beauty and warm hospitality that define this remarkable country. Join me as I share a glimpse into my world and the enchanting beauty of Jordan that has always been a source of inspiration in my life. A journey through Jordan is a voyage through time, with every city and valley narrating tales of ancient civilizations. Amman, the capital, where I was born and raised, is a splendid blend of old and new. The city skyline showcases modern architecture alongside historical gems like the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theater. With its myriad of museums and galleries, Amman invites you to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Jordan. Amidst the bustling souks, the aroma of traditional street food like falafel and shawarma fills the air, while modern eateries offer a taste of international cuisine, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan flair. A short drive from the capital will take you to the ancient city of Jerash, home to one of the most well-preserved Roman archaeological sites outside Italy. As you stroll through the colonnaded streets and explore the grand amphitheaters, the echoes of the Roman era resonate through the air. Further south lies the town of Wadi Musa, the gateway to the breathtaking city of Petra. Known as the Rose City due to the color of the stone from which it is carved, and rightfully one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra unveils a world of archaeological wonders dating back to the 4th century BC.

Lana Alkhatatneh Quantity Surveyor

Oct 2023

As you venture towards the southernmost city of Aqaba, the topography transforms, revealing the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. A haven for divers and water sports enthusiasts, Aqaba also serves as a doorway to the ethereal desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, often dubbed as the Valley of the Moon for its otherworldly vistas and surreal landscapes. It has served as a breathtaking backdrop for numerous iconic movies like Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, Red Planet. No visit to Jordan would be complete without a float in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. The mineral-rich mud and high salt concentration provide a unique wellness experience, making it a must-visit spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. In summary, Jordan is a country of captivating contrasts, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Its natural beauty, historical treasures, and the warmth of its people create a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Jordan’s allure goes beyond its famous sites, leaving a lasting impression that’s both enriching and meaningful.

Táborfalva, Hungary Táborfalva is a small village in the centre of Hungary, about 50 km south from Budapest, with a population about 3500. The village is relatively young, and got its name in 1949, although there are information of habitation from 1800s. The village is only 13 km from the actual centre of Hungary, Pusztavacs. Although, it’s a small village the people hold together and when you meet someone on the street people great each other, no matter you know them or not, which to me feels home.

Eva Dibak Site Administrator

There are some festivals during the year, such as the “szüreti bál” (harvest ball) when the villagers dress up in traditional clothes and go around the village with carriages and on horseback while people great them and offer them some snack and of course “palinka” which is a strong Hungarian drink. There’s also a band who plays live music and people dance on the street. After this they go to the village’s cultural centre and the ball carries on to the night. At the end of spring there is the village fair were there is are different shows, many rides for kids and a cooking competition where different traditional Hungarian foods are cooked to enjoy a day out together. One of my favourite things in Táborfalva is an old building, of which, unfortunately, there are only ruins left as no one is living there any longer. The Vogt Kúria (mansion) was built in 1903, before the village was established, and it had a large vineyard of over 400,000m². In 1945 the building and the wine yard fell into the hands of the state where it was used by the “producer cooperation”. After the use and wear the building began rapidly decay. The wine cellar is still in a relatively good condition. As far as I know the owner of the building lives in America.

Oct 2023

The Vogt Kúria before

The Vogt Kúria now

Part of the wine cellar

Galway My name is Damien Cunningham and I’m going to fly through a tour of some of my favourite spots in Galway city. Having lived in the city for the bulk of my 20’s, I’m very passionate about this small little spot where I spent many of my younger years. Galway is home and also where I made many lifelong friends studying at GMIT. A small city which packs a serious punch, and attracting more and more tourists every year, we are certainly becoming a ‘must visit’ destination on the map of Ireland. A large part of this is due to the friendliness and unique blend of culture found in the city. Despite the incredible diversity, what I love about the city is the nooks and crannies which give of a resounding feel of ‘home’ and ‘old Ireland’.

Damien Cunningham Marketing Executive

Let’s get into some recommendations for that long weekend you’re going to plan in the West.

I’ll start with a classic. The Quays Bar, Quay Lane, Galway.

The Quays ticks off a lot of the essentials for me when looking to have a good night out on the town. A bar renowned throughout the country for its continuously incredible listing of live music. The best musicians throughout the country have graced the famous stage and with live music every day from 6pm, you can’t go wrong. The bar focuses on rock and trad music.

Located on Quay Street, The Quays is bang in the middle of the action. Enter through the doors, however, and there is something for everyone. A cosy snug to rest your feet and enjoy a quiet drink, a barman with a friendly ear and sharp wit serving pints and banter, and for the more energetic, a mobbed dancefloor that never seems to let up! The Quays is the quintessential Galway experience, whether it’s a race week trip with the lads or a night on the town for cocktails with the girls.

Oct 2023

And finally, reverting back to my earlier warm memories of ‘Old Ireland’ with my third recommendation - The Crane Bar. If you know, you know. It’s as simple as that. A hidden gem that embodies the spirit of the city. Where you may cross backpackers from Nebraska swapping stories with Paddy from The Claddagh, The Crane is a vibrant mixture of all things wonderful. Noted for its up close and personal trad sessions and homely feel, this pub can be viewed as ‘the real Irish experience’. The music and musicians are respected with a keen ear throughout the night. I enjoy it here because it encompasses a lot of what I love about my home city and country, that being a warm welcome from friendly strangers and a reliably consistent pint. There is no glam at The Crane but I don’t think that’s what we venture out looking for. What you will find here is kindness, generosity and the craic on a Friday night. We have a lot of Irish culture to be proud of, and it can all be found here in this little pub on Sea Road.

On to the next one. The Roisin Dubh. ‘Over the bridge’ as we say and into Galway’s Westend. A bit more off the beaten track and certainly a different vibe than you will find in the centre, in and around Eyre Square. The Roisin Dubh, on Dominick St, is a welcoming spot for all revelers and a special spiritual home to music lovers in The West. You’re likely to be served up a Silent Disco or an alternative, grunge rock band here to blow your ear drums for an hour or two. If you don’t fancy burst ear drums, you can also avail of some of the wonderful shows that are on here throughout the year, such as comedy from world renowned performers like Rich Hall, Reginald D Hunter and Jason Byrne. Situated adjacent to Monroes on Dominick Street, you really are spoiled for choice with an abundance of entertainment options every week. A pleasant home for students who are new to the city, a welcoming embrace for those who don’t feel comfortable in the up-market cocktail bars. The Roisin is a ‘back to basics’, no frills good time.

team wins Interiors Boston Scientific Design & Build Jabil Waterford PCSA and Biotech PCSA Pharma Abbot Longford, Abbvie Westport

Case Study: ISO 7 & 8 Cleanroom Facility Client: Confidential

Oct 2023

Location: Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork Project Size: Approx. 3400m2 Duration: 17 Months

Ardmac were contracted to provide an ISO 7 & 8 cleanroom facility for a global pharmaceutical client which included the design and installation of 2.5kn/m2 modular ceilings, aluminium honeycomb core flush cGMP partitions, the integration of double flush doors and glazing, door automation and the provision of a pneumatically operated Atex interlocking door control system. The scope of responsibility also included the supply and installation of lights, terminal HEPA housings and stainless steel elements such as wall / floor protection and change area furniture. For this project, Ardmac used the latest technologies such as BIM to generate a clash free model , LEAN processes to bring value to the client and the use of integrated scheduling coupled with strong project management. As a result, this complex project was handed over on time.

Wates Charity Dinner Ardmac Envision team had a great evening at the Wates’ Charity Dinner in support of National Suicide Prevention Month.

Medical Technology Ireland Expo and Conference Ardmac’s Business Development Director George Walker was at The Medical Technology Ireland Expo and Conference this month. This is Europe’s 2nd largest and fastest growing medical device manufacturing Show.

Oct 2023

We are delighted to be shortlisted and recognised in 4 different categories by the Fit Out Awards 2023! The winners will be announced at the gala awards on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road. Fit Out Awards 2023!

Fit Out Contractor of the Year

Excellence in Health & Safety

Fit Out Project of the Year Medium Office

Excellence in Sustainability

ICIA Awards 2023!

We are delighted to be shortlisted for 6 awards at this years ICIA awards!

Thank you to all at the ICIA, we look forward to the awards ceremony in November.

Contractor of the Year (Large)

Excellence in Sustainability

Women in Construction - Justine Geminiani

Excellence in Health and Safety

BIM Initiative of the Year

Innovation in Construction

On the Blog

Maximisation of Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) in delivery of complex projects Lean Initiative Undertaken – Lean Thinking, Tools, Techniques Over the last number of years, we have recognised a real need for change within the construction industry. There are several reasons for this shift in mindset: The impact of Covid-19. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the construction industry, triggering a series of challenges and changes. During the initial stages of the pandemic, construction sites around the world were shut down or faced significant disruptions, leading to project delays and financial strain on many companies. Safety protocols, social distancing measures, and supply chain disruptions further complicated operations, causing construction costs to rise. To adapt, companies accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and remote work solutions. The pandemic has underscored the importance of flexibility, contingency planning, and innovation within the construction sector. Labour and material shortages globally. In recent times, the construction industry has faced an acute challenge due to a widespread shortage of both labour and materials. The shortage of skilled labour has been a significant bottleneck, exacerbated by factors such as aging workforces and a decline in vocational training programs.

Read full blog here: www.ardmac.com/maximisation-of-pre-manufactured-value-pmv-in-delivery-of-complex-projects/

Oct 2023

What happened to our Air Change Rate Table in the new ISO 14644-4:2022? Rethinking Cleanroom Design The new ISO 14644-4 was published in November of last year and addresses design, construction, and start-up of cleanrooms. But why has the Air Change Rate table from Annex B.2 disappeared? Well, because no one size fits all; the old table led to over-design in many cases and a lack of focus on understanding the process and contamination risks. The new and revised Annex 1 places the focus on QRM (Quality Risk Management) and CCS (Contamination Control Strategy) instead. The ISO/TC 209 working group, composed of subject matter experts from nearly 20 countries (including Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, Philippines, Korea, Brazil, and the USA) decided there was a better way – Good Engineering Practice (GEP) and good science would prevail! The Evolution of ISO 14644 Standards Back in the late 1990s when the first version (2001) was being developed the experts at the time agreed, that as part of the “first generation” of the new ISO 14644 standard series of dashes, they would include some general guidance. They put the Air Change Rate table in the Informative Annex purely as a backup plan, to be used in the event of no other information being available.

Read full blog here: www.ardmac.com/what-happened-to-our-air-change-rate-table-in-the-new-iso-14644-42022/

refer a friend Did you know? You can benefit by recommending a friend to Ardmac.

Receive a pro rata payment of either €1,500, €2,500 or €3,500 (pro rata in £ stg for UK) The payment will be made in TWO halves (After three months and following one year service of referral) Payments will be subject to normal statutory deductions and will be paid with salary. Open to all salaried and hourly paid employees (excluding all Directors)

In 2020, Ardmac paid out €10,000 and £3,000 in Refer a Friend referrals.

Employees will not be eligible if recruiting to a position with direct line responsibility or for which an agency payment is due. Scheme covers recruitment of permanent or salaried employees only.Introductions to Director positions will be dealt with on an adhoc basis by the Group Board. The scheme is subject to change at the discretion of the Directors who reserve the right to either change or discontinue the scheme.

Click here for full list and details www.ardmac.com/open-positions

If you need any further information on roles please contact caoimhe.matthews@ardmac.com

Oct 2023

welcome to the ardmac community

Please visit Bamboo for open positions or email your Refer a Friend details to Caoimhe Matthews

Chris Matthews Jonathon Kennedy

Construction Manager Senior Financial Accountant

Chris Cullen Kia Staunton

Quantity Surveyor

Senior HR Administrator

Rafaella Morozini David Stedmond Mehmet Ali Kilic Charlotte Barrow Antti Laakso Liam Padden Ben Donnegan Aaron Walsh Victor Mitchell Daire Gleeson Colman O’Connell Simona Giangu Aidan Murtagh David Higgins

Junior Planner

Managing Quantity Surveyor Electrical Engineer Project Administrator IT Help Desk Technician Construction Graduate Construction Graduate Construction Graduate Safety Advisor Construction Graduate Senior Architectural Technologist Project Administrator Graduate Quantity Surveyor

Project Manager SHEQ Advisor Site Manager

Anne Kane

Kambiz Mehrafarin

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