The late Michael Boyle was a 'very proud Donegal man'

The funeral of the late Michael ‘Mick’ Boyle, which will be a celebration of his life, will take place this Friday.

​It was with great sadness that MPB Structures shared the news of its “amazing founder” who passed away peacefully on May 6.

Mick, who was 89, was a native of Kilraine, Glenties and his company touched the hearts of many. They remain the proud sponsors of Naomh Conaill GAA club. MPB Structures is a major civil engineering and specialist construction contractor based in the United Kingdom. The company has established itself as a market leader in reinforced concrete frames, groundworks, and major substructure works.

He was described as “a very, very proud Donegal man” and his eyes would twinkle whenever the word ‘Donegal’ was mentioned.

When Mick won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to the Construction Industry, presented by the London Donegal Association in November 2024, with Donegal manager Jim McGuinness do the honours, Mick’s son Patrick shared the story of his early life.

“Emigrating to Scotland from the hills of Glenties to join an uncle in dry stone walling in the Scottish Borders was a daunting challenge for any 15-year-old living in a Bothy,” Patrick said.

“His humility and determination in the face of adversity are qualities that have persisted throughout his life. He joined many Donegal men running around the UK, building landmark national projects such as Hinkley Point 1 Power Station, the Humber Bridge, and the Scunthorpe Steelworks.

“These early experiences were crucial in building his reputation as a tenacious leader and negotiator. His efforts on-site were rewarded with a promotion to manage 1,200 men in the construction of the Ninian Central Oil Rig in Kishorn on the west coast of Scotland in 1976 - the largest concrete structure in the world at the time. His devotion to delivering signature projects safely and on time proved critical. At times, he was at times a McAlpine Fusilier and a Kishorn Commando.

“In his early 50s, Michael bravely decided to establish his own company, MPB Structures, in 1987, alongside his children and with wonderful support from his dear wife Lena, all the way from Croom, County Limerick.

“Despite risks, economic downturns and industrial challenges, he has led the company to remarkable National Successes and made outstanding contributions to the Infrastructure of the UK. With projects ranging from Canary Wharf Phase1, the infrastructure of the UK.

“With projects ranging from Phase 1 Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station, Docklands Light Railway, and Tall 30,40 and 50-storey towers in most cities in the UK, his company, MPB Structures, has been in the top 10 concrete frame companies in the UK for the last 12 years. Over 38 years, the company has constructed over £1 billion worth of concrete structures in London and throughout the United Kingdom.”

Mick was an incredible husband to Lena and a much-loved dad to Michael, Patrick, Teresa, Mary and Sean. He was also a cherished grandad, great-grandad, friend and leader.

Mick and his wife, Lena, were married in Small Heath, Birmingham, where he started out working on the concrete gangs with Sir Robert McAlpine.

Mick was fondly known as “The Horse Boyle” because of his incredible ability to drive high production of rebar and concrete on major projects, including Hinkley Point A, Humber Bridge, Scunthorpe Steel Works, Kishorn, and many, many more.

As his family have said, theirs was a journey grounded in hard work, opportunity and loyalty to those around them - values that Mick carried throughout his life.

Mick believed in people, in community and in supporting grassroots sport. His support was genuine, consistent and deeply appreciated by everyone in GAA sports, rugby, football and boxing.

Above all, Michael cared about people. He wanted the very best for his family, for everyone who worked with us and for all those connected to MPB. Most importantly, he was passionate about keeping people safe at work.

“The company has left a lasting legacy on British public infrastructure, including over 60 schools, 10 hospitals, and hundreds of railway and motorway bridges, University Buildings,” Patrick continued of his father, 18 months ago.

“His successes include winning the Concrete Society Award for Civil Engineering and Building. He leads from the front and is renowned as being a fair and honest man. He will never retire and enjoys a few hours in the office most days.

“The company has and continues to support charities and sports throughout the UK, having spent and committed over £500,000 in support. A very keen Gaelic football supporter, he was delighted at the opportunity to support Team London Donegal and Naomh Conaill. Mick has encouraged the financial and educational support of a diverse range of young people, who have subsequently secured employment within the company.”

MPB ranks within the top 10 in the UK for claiming the training levy as they develop their 1,200-strong workforce. His company has multiple generations of family members working side-by-side in their Corby, London, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham offices.

Mick was a very modest man: “Some man for one man".

Mick’s funeral will take place on Friday, May 29, at 11am at Oundle School Chapel, Milton Road, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4AD. After a private family burial, we will then gather at The Black Horse, Elton, PE8 6RU.

“This will be a celebration of Michael’s life, so we encourage people to wear some colour,” the family said. “Black ties are discouraged, as Mick loved colour. Up Donegal.”

Suaimhneas síoraí tabhair dó, a Thiarna, agus go lonraí solas síoraí air. Go bhfaighe a anam agus anamacha na bhfíréan trócaire ó Dhia agus cónaí faoi shuaimhneas.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

With love from Patrick, Sean and all the Boyle Family