Tipp success at WorldSkills competition

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Patrick O’Donovan congratulated Team Ireland following their success at the WorldSkills competition.

Team Ireland 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:

•Daniel Kearns from Wexford, in Constructional Metal Work

•Alanna Moffit from Cavan, in Cookery

•Liam Roche from Wexford, in Digital Construction

•Sean McLoughlin from Kildare, in Electrical Installations (Sean also won the Best in Nation medal)

•Kate Ryan from Cashel, Co Tipperary, in Restaurant Service

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."