Customer always comes first at McCarthy Commercials
06/05/2026
Exceptional customer service has been the cornerstone of McCarthy Commercials’ success for over half a century, and has seen the well-known Volvo truck dealership shortlisted for the ‘Customer Focus Achievement’ accolade at the upcoming Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2026.
No stranger to winning prestigious awards, McCarthy Commercials continues to go from strength to strength by offering the highest levels of customer service – backed by quality products – across its sales, services and parts operations. Although each department carries unique responsibilities, they work together towards a shared goal: delivering a seamless, supportive and value-driven experience for every customer.
“As Munster’s largest Volvo truck dealership, we understand how difficult it can be to find the right service partner for you and your business. Our unmatched expertise and superior customer service have helped us become the primary supplier for countless Volvo Truck owners,” marketing manager Mark McCarthy says.
“We are thrilled to be a finalist in this year’s Irish Logistic & Transport Awards. It’s great recognition for our amazing team and their unwavering commitment to customer service. To coincide with our 50th anniversary in 2024, we were inducted into the Fleet Transport Hall of Fame, while last year we were honoured to receive the Fleet Customer Service Excellence award for our continued dedication in providing quality service to our customers.”
With locations in Cork (Watergrasshill), Clare (Clonlara) and Kilkenny (Danville Business Park), a warm Volvo welcome is always assured at McCarthy Commercials.
“We treat all customers with respect and in a polite manner, and make sure they are recognised when in contact with us. We listen attentively and take appropriate actions with a sense of urgency. We also take responsibility to guide the customer to the correct department and put them in contact with the right person,” Mark adds.
“We are proactive and prepared when meeting customers. We deliver on customer needs, we listen, understand and verify their requirements. We make sure we cover the entire ownership cycle by having excellent knowledge on the total offer, providing the right support at the right time. We look to offer the best return on investment according to what the customer needs.”
Furthermore, McCarthy Commercials provides clear information and accurate quotations. Facts are confirmed before promising delivery date and price. The award-winning dealer ensures that all parties involved have a common understanding and a clear agreement on the terms and conditions of the transaction.
If any deviation from the agreement should appear, McCarthy Commercials will look for a solution or alternatives, and agree and document how to proceed in a timely manner. Colleagues are always informed if the changes will affect them somewhere in the process. The family business seeks to build a trustworthy relationship with the customer by being clear and transparent.
McCarthy Commercials takes responsibility for delivering the right product first time and on time. This is done by listening fully to the customer and understanding their needs. The dealer ensures its staff have the right competences on processes and tools.
A first-class delivery is assured by planning the handover of the vehicle and agreed services as well as making sure all parties concerned have the required information. McCarthy Commercials notifies the customer of the next scheduled service visit and confirms the work that will be carried out. It follows up the handover of all products and services with the customer.
In addition, McCarthy Commercials is easily accessible and available to customers when support is needed. Customer requests are handled promptly and efficiently with a commitment to ownership. The company handles complaints and welcomes constructive feedback.
Customer service maintenance at McCarthy Commercials is built on reliability, expertise and genuine customer care. Its team understands the demanding nature of commercial transport which is why they focus on providing a range of efficient, high-quality maintenance solutions that keep fleets running smoothly and safely.
“We are focused on building strong and lasting relationships with our customers. This can only be achieved by offering them an unrivalled service and product.”
Volvo Trucks is a global leader in the electric truck segment and its strategy to cut CO2 emissions centres on a three-path technology approach: battery electric, fuel-cell electric and combustion engines powered by renewable fuels. As a Volvo truck dealer, McCarthy Commercials offers a range of eight different electric models to suit multiple configurations. In 2024, McCarthy Commercials supplied its first electric truck – a new Volvo FH Electric 6x2 tag tractor unit to Dairygold, which was the first dairy processor in Ireland to invest in this zero-emission technology.
“The Volvo product and brand continue to be very innovative, especially in the electromobility sector,” Mark explains.
“The electric truck we supplied to Dairygold makes daily deliveries and collections from their Castlefarm dairy processing facility in Mitchelstown as well as milk suppliers’ farms, and can cover 300km on a single charge. We also supplied Ireland’s first electric Volvo FM Low Entry 4x2 to Egis Lagan which they are using as an impact protection vehicle as part of their contract with TII to carry out maintenance work on the M8.
“Volvo electric trucks are operating with great effect. They have a full range from 12 to 44 tonnes. Volvo are also exploring HVO trucks and have already introduced a new carbon-neutral FH Aero run on HVO. So it’s a very exciting time for Volvo and ourselves.”
McCarthy Commercials has come a long way since it was founded by Donal and Henry McCarthy – who weren’t related – in 1974. Both men had operated their own fleets before then, but were looking for more efficient and powerful trucks which they found in Volvo. In 1972, they ordered their first Volvo, an F88 tractor unit, which they assembled themselves in their own workshop in Aghada, Co. Cork after arriving in knock-down CKD kit form.
The same truck has been fully restored and was showcased at Dennison Trailers’ recent Open Day. “Donal and George Dennison were great friends,” Mark reveals.
Soon, Donal had three versions of the ‘Iron Mark’-badged trucks in his fleet and realised the potential for Volvo trucks in Ireland. This coincided with a move to a larger premises in nearby Watergrasshill, which eventually became McCarthy Commercials’ Volvo truck dealership and HQ. It is also an RSA-authorised CVRT test centre.
Since then, McCarthy Commercials has opened further dealerships in Kilkenny and Clare which sees it cover most of the southern section of Ireland. The company has grown to employ 85 people and has been fronted by Donal’s sons, Michael and Colman, since the 1990s. Michael’s son Mark and Colman’s son Kyle have recently joined the business, representing the third generation of McCarthys.
“The three depots offer new Volvo truck sales and genuine Volvo service and parts, with Watergrasshill also boasting a CVRT test centre. Our business continues to grow, especially in Clonlara and the Mid-West where the market and demand for Volvo is particularly buoyant at the moment,” the affable marketing manager concludes.
McCarthy Commercials Ltd
Watergrasshill,
Co. Cork,
T56 DD78.
Telephone: +353 (0)21 4889700
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mccarthycomms.ie
First published in Irish Trucker magazine March/April 2026, Vol 29-2
