Ronan McGrath is the Managing Director and founder of McGrath Quantity Surveyors. Over the past decade he has led the growth and development of the practice to include chartered and qualified Quantity Surveyors who bring varied and international experiences to large and complex projects.
In 2021, McGrath opened his first UK office in London and last year was recognised for his contribution to the Co. Wexford business sector, winning two Wexford Chamber Business Awards for Operation of Excellence and Service Industry Provider of the Year.
McGrath Quantity Surveyors, in conjunction with developers, builders and contractors, work across largescale residential houses, apartment and investment projects with experience in social housing, data centres, education, one-off houses and renovations.
If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes who would it be?
Scooby-Doo – I love solving mysteries. Failing that, someone like Lionel Messi to know how it feels to be that good at football.
What law would you change?
Apart from the obvious planning laws I think allowing people to be sentenced to a period of hard labour for more minor crimes would benefit society. Also the laws around how the Central Bank control banking, to the point of them no longer being fit for purpose.
What’s your pet peeve?
Laziness. Excuse making has become an epidemic in recent years but behind it all is a sense of entitlement and laziness. Also planning.
Who has inspired you most?
So many but I think one would be Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Never being satisfied with just being ok and always looking to get to a higher level, with the idea of being the hardest worker in the room being at the centre of his success.
Favourite landmark?
Vinegar Hill in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. There’s so much history attached and it’s a beautiful place for a walk to clear out the cobwebs.
Who should be more well-known?
David Goggins, ex Navy SEAL, ultra runner and motivational speaker. He’s all about the power of mindset.
If you could get rid of one Irish county which one would it be?
Kilkenny. Do you even need to ask why?
What song would you play for the rest of your life?
Put ‘Em Under Pressure, of course. Everything about the song, it’s the memories and how it makes you feel every time you hear it.
Favourite quote?
Thinking big requires the same amount of effort as thinking small – Grant Cardone. I believe it’s as simple as the absence of success is the absence of enough ambition, from the top in terms of political leadership to the everyday man and woman.
What emoji should be banned and introduced?
I would like the Angry emoji banned, it’s more love we need not anger. And I would love a ‘Feck it I’m out the gap’ emoji.
Favourite website?
Waterford Whispers News. I love how we as Irish people have a great ability to laugh at ourselves.
If you could create any Olympic sport what would it be?
Well obviously drinking, so Ireland could actually win medals and I would love to see some construction-related event like block laying or wheelbarrowing. Let’s see how fast Usain Bolt moves with a barrow full of concrete across a scaffold plank in a pair of steel toe caps.
What should everyone do at least once in their life?
Tell their parents they love them and appreciate everything they did for them. Also visit Wexford – Ireland’s best county.
