Explore the latest in HAI’s official podcast: Hardware Matters.

Hosted by architect Róisín Murphy, our fortnightly podcast features industry experts and thought-leaders who share the latest news, trends and ideas in the hardware, building materials and housing sector.

We have released 10 episodes to date, which are summarised below. All episodes can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Release Date: 20th October, 2025

  • Steve Collinge of Insight Retail Group shares trends shaping hardware and home improvement — and why “white van man” may soon be history.
  • Derry Casey of South Coast Sales reflects on his family business’s 35-year journey from humble beginnings to continued growth.
  • Padraic Rogers of Topline Rogers traces the 155-year evolution of one of Ireland’s oldest hardware businesses.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 6th October, 2025

  • Paul Candon, CEO of United Hardware and HAI President, discusses the DID Electrical partnership and the value of a strong in-store customer experience.
  • Pat Casey and George Kenefick of Dosco highlight the company’s heritage, new Little Island facility, and manufacturing process.
  • Staff shortages remain a major challenge, with nearly half of new hires leaving before probation ends — insights from HAI’s Recruitment & Retention masterclass.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 22nd September, 2025

  • Minister James Lawless gave a dedicated interview discussing what the Government is doing to encourage more young people to take up trades. Patrick Atkinson (Chadwick’s Group), also a Solas board member, joins to talk about apprenticeships and training opportunities.
  • Martin Markey, HAI CEO, outlines the Association’s pre-budget submission.
  • Dermot O’Leary, Goodbody chief economist, shares housing forecasts and the crucial role of apartments.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 8th September, 2025

  • Barry Rafferty, CEO of Kilsaran, discusses the company’s origins, key projects, and his own career journey.
  • Declan Flood, CEO of Irish Credit Management Training, highlights the importance of having a dedicated professional to ensure timely payments.
  • Jim Copeland, editor of The Hardware Journal, talks about the latest issue, the “Vacant to Vibrant” initiative, and insights on the long-term housing backlog.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Here we looked back on the series to date with four Summer Specials which featured key highlights from the previous six episodes.

  • Summer Special 1: A look back at this year’s Hardware Conference in Killenard, Co. Laois, with insights from economist Jim Power, HAI President Paul Candon, Michael Stanley (Cairn Homes) on planning challenges, and trend spotter Steve Collinge on smart homes.
  • Summer Special 2: In this summer special we take a look back at some of the highlights from the first ever series of Hardware Matters.
  • Summer Special 3: In this bonus episode the focus is on family businesses. We hear about Cork owned company Dosco, which is around since 1884 and Paraic Horkan tells us how his family business evolved.
  • Summer Special 4: In this bonus episode we’ll hear bits of interviews which didn’t make it into the original podcast. Included here are Denis Jastrzebski talking about how to get the best from AI and Ciaran Byrne from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland who talks about the health benefits of a good retrofit…

Release Date: 30th June, 2025

  • Dr Ciaran Byrne (SEAI) discusses Ireland’s retrofit challenges, national targets, contractor shortages, and homeowner schemes like the pilot for traditional homes.
  • Ted Laverty (Onlinetradesmen.ie) highlights the construction skills shortage and calls for changes to apprenticeships, including better early-career pay.
  • Derek Deasy (Hultafors Group) explores how workwear has evolved, with comfort, durability, and safety now key alongside traditional heavy-duty standards.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 16th June, 2025

  • Fergal Keane, former RTE reporter, shares the challenges and rewards of renovating a long-vacant stone farmhouse in West Cork.
  • Tommy Smyth, HR consultant, discusses key employment law issues, including dignity at work, harassment, bullying, and social media.
  • Jim Copeland highlights the latest Hardware Journal and invites stories from Ireland’s oldest hardware stores and builders’ merchants.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 2nd June, 2025

  • Paraic Horkan, horticulturalist, shares how his family grew a business from Castlebar to nationwide, with 3 garden centres and 14 pet stores, highlighting staff training and family roles.
  • Tahmina Nizam, Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, explains efforts to bring empty properties back into use and tools like Compulsory Purchase Orders and Council Tax exemptions.
  • Denis Jastrzebski, AI expert, explores how AI can benefit the hardware industry in customer service, pricing, marketing, and stock management.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 19th May, 2025

  • Barry McCarron, Kore Retrofit, shares five key principles for energy-efficient home retrofits: high-quality insulation, attention to junctions, windows, airtightness, and mechanical heat recovery ventilation.
  • Iseult McLaughlin, Tactical Talent Recruitment, discusses hardware industry recruitment and retention, highlighting labour shortages, CV gaps, and the importance of flexible work.
  • Topline Murtagh’s customers share their DIY successes and failures, from fixing taps to hanging shelves.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 5th May, 2025

  • Ana Dolan and Anne Connolly plan Ireland’s first cohousing community in south Dublin, combining independent living with shared communal spaces.
  • Niall Hatch, Birdwatch Ireland, explains how to attract birds with the right nest boxes and maintain them for species like bluetits, robins, blackbirds, and swallows.
  • Topline Murtagh’s customers share creative tips and remedies for removing tough household stains.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify

Release Date: 22nd April, 2025

  • Roisin Murphy speaks with Martin Markey (HAI) on the ‘Above the Shop’ report and how vacant properties could help ease Ireland’s housing crisis.
  • Fergus Sweeney shares insights from the HAI Conference with economist Jim Power on industry challenges and rising tariffs.
  • Jane Witter (Dulux Ireland) explains the power of colour and why spring is perfect for refreshing your home’s look.

Listen in:
Apple Podcasts – Spotify