Cunningham Commercials thriving under new ownership
26/02/2026
The Clones, Co. Monaghan-based CVRT Test Centre, Cunningham Commercials Ltd, continues to go from strength to strength under its new owners.
Acquired as a going concern in October 2023 by Ryan and Michaela Connolly of local haulage company Ryan Connolly Transport, Cunningham Commercials had not only retained its existing customer-base, but added significantly to it following a major investment in equipment and staff. The state-of-the-art test centre for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) has been authorised & approved by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
“Our first two years in business have gone really well,” Michaela enthuses.
“We retained the Cunningham Commercials name, building on what was already a thriving business, but increasing our customer base, upgrading the equipment and premises, and carrying out updates to comply with the latest RSA regulations.
“Improvements to the two test lanes were completed ahead of schedule. We can now test three vehicles instead of one in the LCV lane. We’ve also increased the number of our testers from two to three to cater for our expanding client-base. Paul McGorry, Dylan McCombe and Kevin McCabe, who boast a wealth of experience as testers, are supported by our three amazing ladies in the office, Karen McDermott, Brenda Mc Caffrey and Ella Kearns.
“It’s a real team effort.”
The CVRT inspection, which is carried out on behalf of the RSA (Road Safety Authority), includes checking brakes, lights, markings, wheels and tyres, steering and suspension, chassis and underbody, tachograph, speed limiter, exhaust emissions, electrical systems, glass, mirrors and more.
Cunningham Commercials’ service also includes safety checks, tachograph installation and tachograph calibration, road speed limiters, vehicle plating, pre-testing and number plates. They are a Stoneridge authorised distributor, carrying out supply, updating and calibration of smart 2 tachographs.
In addition, the new owners have invested in new MAHA lifts to replace the pit and computerised state-of-the-art equipment that meets RSA requirements. The ultimate purpose of the test is to ensure that your vehicle maintains its roadworthiness.
Quality, consistency and unbiased vehicle testing are the core values of the Cunningham Commercials team who are customer-focused, compliant, thorough and offer a comprehensive and courteous service. At all times, the test centre adheres to stringent requirements as stipulated by the RSA. Excellence in service and the highest possible standards are a given at the Co. Monaghan-based operation.
Centrally located behind Applegreen Clones, the premises includes a comfortable waiting area where our customers can avail of complimentary refreshments and wifi facilities.
BM Transport, A&M Commercials, Harte Peat and Conlon Coaches are just some of the large fleets who rely on Cunningham Commercials for their test requirements. The test centre’s customer-base ranges from hauliers and bus operators to contractors and small business owners.
“We have customers from both sides of the border. We also test our own fleet. We’re in a great location and are easily accessible,” Michaela adds.
Business is also flying at Ryan Connolly Transport which was established in 2013 and is a leading logistics provider in the region. Specialising in bulk animal feed and tipper work, the business is family-run with Paudie following in his Dad's footsteps. The modern fleet consists of 12 Scania trucks, bulk blowers and tipper trailers, with its main clients being Lakeland Dairies in Lough Egish, Monaghan Quarries, Scotshouse Quarries and Charles O’Reilly Haulage.
Ryan Connolly Transport operates a TASSC-approved bulk feed service tailored to its customers’ needs. The TASSC (Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops) code of practice aims to combine food / feed safety legal requirements with recognised industry good practice and specific customer requirements to provide confidence in the food / feed train. Ryan’s drivers are TASCC trained and up-to-speed with all current legislation.
Cunningham Commercials would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers for their continued support, and look forward to catering for all their vehicle test needs in the future.
For your next CVRT test, be sure to give Cunningham Commercials a call. Hours of business are 9am to 5pm working through lunch, Monday to Friday.
Cunningham Commercials Ltd
Unit 1,
Largy,
Clones,
Co. Monaghan.
Telephone: 047 52772
Email: [email protected]
First published in Irish Trucker magazine January/February 2026, Vol 29-1
