Taoiseach and Minister O’Donovan wish Team Ireland well at WorldSkills 2024
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From: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
- Published on: 9 September 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan today wished Team Ireland every success as the WorldSkills competition kicks off in France tomorrow night.
Team Ireland is made up of 17 competitors who will face off against more than 1,500 opponents from more than 71 countries and regions around the world, all demonstrating their skills across 62 skills areas. The Irish team will compete in 17 competitions including Industrial Mechanics, Joinery, Beauty Therapy, Restaurant Service, Cloud Computing and more.
Speaking today, Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
“This summer we have watched with pride and admiration as our athletes excelled at both the Olympics and the Paralympics and brought so much joy and excitement to our nation.
“Now it is the turn of another Irish team brimming with talent to demonstrate the quality of their skills and trade on the international stage.
“I was honoured and humbled to meet this team of dedicated professionals in July and it was clear that this a group of young people who are incredibly proud to represent their nation, and who are excited to compete against the best in the world.
“I am looking forward to seeing how they fare this week, and I know I can speak for everyone in government when I wish them all the best of luck in their competitions.”
Minister O’Donovan, who will attend the opening ceremony in Lyon tomorrow evening, said:
“I want to take this opportunity to wish these outstanding young people the very best this week as they compete at World Skills.
“They have been training hard for the past year to improve their skills and I know they have come to France determined to succeed.
“Team Ireland are proof that we have a wealth of talent across traditional areas such as Building and Construction and Beauty Therapy and Restaurant Service, but also in newer areas such as Cyber and ICT.
“The World Skills competition is the perfect platform to show the world what we can do in these areas, while also promoting the value of skills-based learning in Ireland.
“I am in Lyon this week to cheer on Team Ireland, and I am incredibly excited to see how they progress.”
WorldSkills Ireland-Chair/Technical Delegate Ray English said:
"In the hands of our apprentices competing at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, we see the future - one shaped by skill, passion, and determination.
“These young skills champions have not just mastered their trades; they are proving that excellence is achieved through hard work, resilience, and the courage to innovate. They will do Ireland proud in the Olympics of Skills.”
The 47th WorldSkills Competition opens tomorrow evening (September 10th) at the Eurexpo Lyon, with events beginning on Wednesday morning and running until Sunday the 15th.
NOTES
For interview opportunities with Team Ireland, please contact press@dfheris.gov.ie.
Meet Team Ireland here: World Skills Team Ireland
Watch the opening ceremony here: WorldSkills Opening Ceremony
Team Ireland will compete in World Skills categories including:
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Transport and Logistics
- Cyber and ICT
- Social and Personal Services
Team Ireland
All Competitors are under 25 years old in the year of competition
1. Automobile Technology
Jamie Connick, Wexford, attended Limerick ETB and SETU. Employer JA Boland Wexford. Apprentice Automobile Mechanic.
2. Beauty Therapy
Ciara O’Sullivan, Kerry, attended Kerry college. Pursuing a degree in MTU after Lyon 2024.
3. Cabinetmaking
Keith Roberts, Galway, is a fulltime student in ATU Letterfrack.
4. Constructional Metal Work
Daniel Kearns, Wexford, is an apprentice at Kent Stainless, Completed phase 2 at WWETB and Phase 6 at MTU..
5. Cookery
Alanna Moffit from Cavan attended TU Dublin and is currently employed with Chef Daniel Hannigan.
6. Cyber Security
Mark Drinan is a cyber security analysist with IBM. Mark lives in Dublin. Cyber Security is a team of two. Mark competed at the Global Skills Challenge in Australia. winning a gold Medal in preparation for Lyon 2024.
Mark is joined in the Cyber Security competition by Luke Woodside.
7. Digital Construction
Liam Roche, Wexford, is a student at SETU in Architectural Technology and a BIM practitioner.
8. Electrical Installations
Sean Mc Loughlin is a native of Kildare and employed by GMAC Electrical. Sean is completing his apprenticeship and attended LOETB and ATU.
9. Industrial Mechanics
Gary Golden, Mayo, attended MSLETB and TUS Limerick for the craft of MAMF and is competing in Industrial Mechanics.
10.Joinery
Joe Kelly, Galway, is an apprentice Carpenter/Joiner attended Donegal ETB and ATU Sligo and is competing in Joinery at Lyon 2024.
11. Logistics Freight Forwarding
Finn Howard, Dublin, is a student at TU Dublin in Logistics studies.
12. Mechanical Engineering CAD
Ross Jones, Dublin, is a student of Mechanical engineering TU Dublin and is specialising in Computer Aided Design at Lyon 2024.
13. Painting and Decorating
Eric Bates, Offaly, is an apprentice Painter and Decorator completing his training at CDETB Ballyfermot and TU Dublin.
14. Restaurant Service
Kate Ryan, Tipperary, is a full-time student at Shannon College of Hospitality Management
15. Visual Merchandising
Hannah Foley, Meath, is an undergraduate student at TU Dublin.
16. Welding
Lee Davison, Donegal, has completed his training at Donegal ETB and is employed at D&F piping
About WorldSkills International
Founded in 1950, WorldSkills International is a global organisation that promotes vocational, technological, and service oriented education and training. It promotes skilled careers in 89 member countries and regions across the globe, all working with youth, educators, governments, and industries to help prepare the workforce and talent of today for the jobs of the future. WorldSkills gives youth the chance to compete, experience, and learn how to become the best in their skill of choice.
About WorldSkills Ireland
WorldSkills International then called the International Vocational Training Organisation (IVTO) in 1956 to promote industrial growth through raising national standards and showcasing Irish talent.
A WorldSkills Ireland Office was established to manage the running of national competitions which lead to the selection of the Irish World Skills team. The office also works to raise the profile and recognition of skills careers and apprenticeships through national and regional events. Through funding allocated by the Department of Further and Higher Education Research and Innovation, WorldSkills Ireland have organised and run the national competitions, each year since 1956 providing thousands of apprentices and the skilled youth of Ireland the chance to compete for the prestigious awards.