When Tara Flynn’s parents started a family building business in the 1970s, you could say it set her on a predestined path in the industry. Though her successful place today as one of its leading voices is likely down more to her hard work and determination in what is typically a male-dominated arena.

The Roscommon woman has recently been sworn in as the new President – and second female to take the top leadership role – of The Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association (MBCA). “Being nominated to be the President for the MBCA, it’s huge,” she says. “The first thing that stood out in my career was being the first female chair of the CIF’s Western Region. That was amazing and such a proud moment.

“A few years ago I was truly honoured to be invited onto the board as there was a lot of bigger companies sitting around that table. Now, being up there as President for the MBCA … I’m very humbled and proud.”

Born the oldest of six in the family – two girls and four boys – construction was to the fore when Flynn was growing up. Her first foray into the industry was working for her father, the late Paul Flynn Senior, in the office.

It was, she says, under his steady guidance and leadership that she fully grasped the role and was put firmly on the road to where she is today some 25 years later. “I love the job, I love construction,” she says. “It’s so much more than a hard hat and mucky boots, which is what women can perceive it to be and that’s what we are trying to change.”

Established in 1979, and with an emphasis on teamwork and togetherness, over the past 40 years Galway-based Paul Flynn Construction has grown into one of Ireland’s leading construction companies. Starting out mainly in residential, it now has a solid reputation as a management company working across commercial, retail, industrial, education and heritage projects with a vast network of sub-contractors.

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