1988

A small beginning with big ambition

Carroll O’Keeffe & Co. Ltd. was founded by John A. Carroll B.E. and John O’Keeffe in the Midlands with a clear vision: to deliver quality construction through honesty, craftsmanship and long-term relationships. Starting as a local building contractor, the company quickly earned a reputation for reliability, professionalism and exceptional workmanship.

Our first major project was Clonaslee Community Centre, built with a concrete frame and Forticrete blockwork.

1990s

Building trust, project by project

Throughout the 1990s, Carroll O’Keeffe steadily expanded its portfolio, delivering residential, commercial and public projects across the Midlands. Long-lasting relationships with clients, local authorities and design teams laid the foundations for the company’s continued growth.

Towards the end of the century we constructed many warehouses and retail spaces for Telfords as they became the largest builders’ providers in the Midlands.

Early 2000s

Expanding across new sectors

As the business grew, so did its expertise. Carroll O’Keeffe diversified into education, healthcare, industrial, heritage restoration and public-sector construction, establishing itself as a trusted main contractor capable of delivering complex projects across multiple sectors.

During the boom years up to 2008 we constructed large housing schemes at Esker Hills Golf Club, Ballyroan and Mountmellick.

2009

First large-scale project

Carroll O’Keeffe constructed its first large-scale project in Emo, Co. Laois: a GRD school comprising eight classrooms across two storeys, together with all ancillary works.

2010

National recognition

Carroll O’Keeffe received the Opus Architectural & Construction Award for Housing, recognising the company’s commitment to quality residential construction and design excellence.

2012

Commitment to safety

The company successfully passed its first Safe-T-Cert audit, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and operational excellence across every project.

2013

In memory of John O'Keeffe

The death of co-founder John O’Keeffe was a major blow for the company.

2014

A new direction

Diarmaid Carroll joined the company and project managed the first ‘A’ rated housing development for Offaly County Council at Banagher, which signalled a new direction for house building in Ireland.

2018

Irish Construction Excellence success

Carroll O’Keeffe was awarded the ICE Judges’ Silver Award for the successful delivery of the Scoil Mhuire Primary School extension and refurbishment in Tullamore. The €4.35 million project highlighted the company’s expertise in delivering complex education projects while maintaining live school environments.

2023

National award for innovation

The Redwood residential development in Tullamore received the Irish Construction Excellence Award for Private New Residential Development (up to €50 million). Delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the project demonstrated Carroll O’Keeffe’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and delivering high-quality homes for growing communities.

2024

Achieving ISO certification

Carroll O’Keeffe achieved certification to ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), marking another significant milestone in the company’s commitment to excellence. These internationally recognised standards reinforce our dedication to delivering consistent quality, improving environmental performance, and continually enhancing the way we work for our clients, our people and the communities we serve.

2025

Supporting our community

Giving back has always been part of who we are. The Carroll O’Keeffe team completed a 24-Hour Cycling Challenge in support of ACT Tullamore, raising an outstanding €12,880.60 for local counselling services.

The company also proudly supported the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity fundraising campaign, helping raise awareness and vital funds for mental health across the construction industry.

2026

A new chapter

After almost four decades of leadership, co-founder John A. Carroll B.E retired from the business. His dedication, integrity and vision helped shape Carroll O’Keeffe into one of Ireland’s most respected construction companies. Leadership now passes to Diarmaid Carroll, who continues the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and client-focused delivery while building on the strong foundations established since 1988.

2026 diarmaid carroll — Diarmaid Carroll

Our History