By the mid-1970s, PJ Hegarty had moved from strong national player to clear industry leader. The company’s 50th anniversary in 1975 marked not just longevity, but momentum. This era saw PJ Hegarty deliver some of Ireland’s most recognisable public landmarks while continuing to broaden its sector reach and deepen the trust of long-standing clients.
It was also a period of strategic consolidation and generational progress. PJ Hegarty strengthened its regional footprint, expanded its technical range, and played a meaningful role in Ireland’s development during decades of social and economic change. As the 1990s arrived, a wave of Foreign Direct Investment reshaped the country, creating demand for new kinds of advanced facilities. PJ Hegarty was positioned perfectly for that shift and moved decisively into high-growth sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Leadership transitioned to the third generation in 1992, ensuring the company entered the modern era with fresh ambition built on solid legacy foundations.
1975
PJ Hegarty celebrated its 50th year as an established leader in Irish construction. By this point, the company had delivered across education, commercial, residential, heritage, industrial, civils, tourism, and utilities, demonstrating an unusually broad capability base for the time.
1976
Shortly after the anniversary, PJ Hegarty delivered Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, the first custom-built GAA stadium in the Association’s history. The project placed the company at the centre of Irish sporting life and reinforced its ability to execute major public venues with precision and pride.
1983
In 1983, PJ Hegarty was awarded the East Stand contract at Lansdowne Road, one of the country’s most iconic sporting arenas. The build further entrenched the company’s credentials in technically demanding, high-visibility stadium construction.
1985
PJ Hegarty played a notable role in the expansion of Ireland’s tourism infrastructure with the opening of Trabolgan Holiday Village in 1985. The project demonstrated the company’s versatility beyond traditional civic and industrial work, supporting a sector that was becoming increasingly important to the national economy.
1987
The southern region office moved to its long-term base at Carroll’s Quay, Cork City Centre, in 1987. This relocation reflected a company consolidating its leadership position and strengthening its operational platform in its home city.
1990s
The 1990s brought a surge of Foreign Direct Investment into Ireland. PJ Hegarty was at the forefront of this transformation, securing major work in pharmaceuticals and initiating a long-term partnership with a leading global semiconductor client. These projects expanded the company’s technical depth and set the stage for its future role in high-tech construction.
1992
In 1992, John Hegarty succeeded his father as Managing Director. Under third-generation leadership, PJ Hegarty continued to grow its national influence and prepared for a new era of larger, more complex, and more globally connected projects.
1992 onwards
PJ Hegarty’s work with a global semiconductor manufacturing company, which commenced in 1992, reflects the company’s entry into advanced manufacturing and semiconductor construction. This partnership marked a pivotal expansion into technically sophisticated sectors that would become central to the business in later decades.
