From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Patrick O’Donovan tonight congratulated Team Ireland following their success at the WorldSkills competition.
Team Ireland tonight secured five Medallions of Excellence across five different categories in front of 65,000 spectators at the competition’s closing ceremony at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.
The Irish winners of medals were:
Speaking tonight, Taoiseach Simon Harris said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of Team Ireland for their performances against the world’s best in Lyon this entire week.
"To walk away with five Medallions of Excellence is a fantastic achievement for these dedicated young people who have worked so hard to make it this far.
"I know that many others on the team were also within a whisker of securing medals, and while they might be feeling disappointed tonight, the entire team should hold their heads up high knowing they gave it their best and represented their country with distinction.
"I also want to pay tribute to all the volunteers who have helped Team Ireland along the way, from the instructors to the experts and team leaders to the delegates - none of this would have been possible without their support and commitment.”
Team Ireland is made up of 17 competitors who this week faced 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.
Minister O’Donovan said:
"I had the privilege of travelling to Lyon this week to cheer on Team Ireland and I was blown away by their focus and dedication as they went up against the top people in trades and skills from countries right across the world.
"Every member of Team Ireland is already a national champion, and now five members of this exceptional group of young people are also international medallists.
"It's a fantastic achievement and I want to offer my heartfelt appreciation to Team Ireland for representing our country with skill and ambition at this major global event.
"We will continue celebrating Ireland's talent later this month at the national WorldSkills Ireland competition."
For interview opportunities with Team Ireland, who return from Lyon on Tuesday morning, please contact press@dfheris.gov.ie .
WorldSkills medalling
The top Competitors in each skill competition receive gold, silver, or bronze medals.
Two additional types of medals are awarded to Competitors at every WorldSkills Competition:
The best performing Competitor from each participating Member will be awarded the Best of Nation medal.
And the Medallion for Excellence, to Competitors who obtain a high level of excellence, with 700 or more points but who are not awarded a gold, silver, or bronze medal.
Team Ireland
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, from Cork, 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, who is also from Cork.
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.