I don’t know what to say, I’m deviated that you’re gone. You were an amazing person. You helped me so much with my instructor qualifications and you allways had time for my dad to help around the school. You were the smiling face when we got to capers and you made time for Katie and the the dog. Our deepest sympathy to your family I can’t even imagine what they’re going through. You were and always will be my best DM even when you outgrew me and got more qualified that me. We’ll miss you. Love form Colin, Katie and Rex…

Such tragic news. We were shocked when we heard Wayne had passed. Our thoughts are with Wayne’s family.  This is such a terrible loss.  Our sincere condolences. I never had the opportunity to meet Wayne however I did get to know about him through reading his articles in industry publications. Wayne was highly regarded within the scaffolding industry both at home and abroad and will be an incredible loss to everyone that knew him and to the scaffolding community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Wayne’s family at this time.  From everyone at Excel Training International….

I started working for wayne as a young lad fresh out of the army back in 2005. I will always remember the way wayne was passionately trying to sell the company to me asif he was speaking to a potential client when I was just a kid off the street desperate for a job. It wasn’t until years later that I understood, when wayne told me ” he wasn’t just trying to build a business he was trying to build something that we all belonged too more like a family ” which he absolutely achieved. Wayne inspired loyalty amongst his lads, that is the reason there are many lads like myself that have worked for him for years and years. We all knew his door was always open and if you ever had any problems and he could help you he would!! I will never forget the support he gave me when my mum passed away and know many of the lads have been helped by wayne in similar ways. I’d like to send my deepest sympathy to all of wayne’s family and loved ones , he really will be sorely missed xx…

Wayne was a true Gent and a true friend. I did not know Wayne from the Scaffolding industry; I met him through our mutual hobby of Scuba Diving. Earlier this year, he became a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor. He was an incredibly patient and caring man, and he possessed excellent teaching qualities, which were evident in his success with his students. His hobby inspired his family to look into scuba diving as well. Hugh and Marcus, his two sons, have joined him several times, and even Nicola has been in the pool and dived in warmer waters. I feel blessed to have known him and worked alongside him. Wayne, you will be sadly missed. …

Truly saddened to hear the devastating news about Wayne. The NASC has been transformed in recent years, due in no small part to Wayne’s passion for the industry and measured leadership. I’m sure his legacy will endure. Running a successful scaffolding business isn’t easy and Connolly Scaffolding has continued to grow and innovate with Wayne at the helm. My deepest sympathies are with Wayne’s loved ones and the entire Connolly Scaffolding family at this difficult time….

I am truly shocked and saddened to hear of Wayne’s passing.  Wayne was an industry leader for a reason, his dedication, passion and commitment is clear to see by all involved in the industry. The messages and personal stories of Wayne from his colleagues and friends are testament to his character, a highly respected, genuine and friendly figure in the scaffolding industry and beyond. He has achieved so many successes in the industry and the legacy he has created will live on. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time. He will be greatly missed….

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Waynes passing. Having known him many years through the Council of the NASC, both  professionally and personally he made a big impact. His vison and dedication to improve  the Scaffolding Industry will have a lasting legacy.  Wayne will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. My sincere condolences to his family , friends and everyone at his company during this difficult time. Rest in peace Wayne. …

I am shocked to hear about the sudden passing of Wayne Connolly. He was a good and decent man who was generous with his time and always welcoming and good natured. He achieved so much in his time at NASC and has left a great legacy within the scaffolding industry. So many of us at CADS were lucky enough to meet him, and we will all miss him. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family at this extremely difficult time….

I met Wayne on multiple occasions over the last few years, He always spoke how his father was from County Tyrone in N.Ireland, which is were im from. We were organising a trip to County Tyrone in 2026 and I was going to show Wayne were his dad was from, last time we met he was excited to show me his Irish passport. Very sad times to hear of Wayne’s passing. May you rest in eternal peace 🙏…

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Wayne, and I am still overwhelmed with a profound sense of loss. Wayne dedicated his heart and soul to raising the standards of the global scaffolding industry. When he visited SCEA in Japan, I was struck by his energy as he toured construction sites and manufacturing plants, sincerely striving to understand the current state of our industry. I will never forget the time I took him to a local Japanese izakaya—the kind of humble spot tourists never find. He gave me such a warm smile and said, “This is exactly the kind of place I wanted to visit.” Sharing sake with him remains one of my most cherished memories. With the founding of IASA (International Access and Scaffolding Association) last September, Wayne made an immeasurable contribution as a leader. Without his vision and drive, IASA might not exist today. His efforts to elevate the industry, not only in the UK but across the entire world, were truly remarkable. My deepest sympathies go out to his fiancé, Nicola, and to all his family and friends….

I am truly so saddened to have read about Wayne’s passing after spending time with him and Nicola only a few weeks back. There are a few whakataukī that immediately brought him to mind. They speak to the way he led, the way he connected with people, and the quiet strength with which he carried himself, values Wayne embodied without ever needing to name them. He was far more than a respected industry leader. He was a connector of people, a calm and thoughtful voice in complex conversations, and someone who genuinely believed in the power of kōrero. “Ko te kai a te rangatira he kōrero (the food of chiefs is dialogue)” He understood that dialogue, shared learning, and mutual respect are what truly sustain leadership. He carried himself with quiet strength and integrity, “E kore e hekeheke, he kākano rangatira (a noble heritage will never perish)”. Through his leadership with NASC and his wider contribution to the global scaffolding and access community, Wayne reached across borders, building relationships grounded in trust, humility, and collaboration. His support for NASC but also wider international bodies meant a great deal, and his belief in international cooperation left a lasting imprint on the work we…

It’s with great sadness I write this. Gaffer you was one in a million. A man I looked up to and admired. I arrived a Connolly scaffolding as a young man 19 years ago, watched it grow from strength to strength with you at the helm. Your unwavering drive and determination to create what Connollys is today is a credit to you. I will always be grateful for the opportunities provided and support given as my family has also grown along the way. From coming home to flowers on the birth of my children and support in difficult times. I will be forever grateful to be apart of the Connollys family❤️ Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family….

On behalf of myself and the Charters family, i also offer condolances from all RDA Scaffolding Ltd operatives and staff. Also the scaffolding family in Scotland and Ireland. The scaffold industry and NASC have lost a truly exceptional individual who had a vision unrivalled by anyone I have ever met within the construction industry. Wayne Connolly will be sadly missed. Our immediate thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Wayne Connolly who undoubtably was a true pillar of the Manchester / Salford community and his impact will not be forgotten. Rest in peace Wayne my good friend.  …

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wayne, we send our deepest condolences to Waynes family and friends from all at the Lee Marley group….

Extending my deepest sympathy for the loss of Wayne to his family, friends and work colleagues, thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort at this very sad time. Wayne who was so passionate, steadfast and devoted so much of this own personal time to our industry and was regarded as a great mentor and held in high esteem. Rest in peace Wayne, Mike…