ATU celebrates WorldSkills Carpentry success with strong Donegal representation

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) hosted a special event this week to honour students who represented ATU from the Sligo campus at the WorldSkills Ireland Carpentry finals.

The ceremony, attended by family, employers, staff, and students, saw Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, presenting the awards.

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Donegal talent was strongly represented among the finalists, highlighting the depth of craft and apprenticeship excellence emerging from the county.

Seoirse Ellison from St John’s Point, Dunkineely with Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, presenting the WorldSkills recognition award from ATU

Seoirse Ellison from Ballycroy, St John’s Point, Dunkineely, was one of the competitors, representing both his community and ATU. He was supported by his employer, Lee Mooney of Killybegs, whose business has long championed the development of skilled young tradespeople.

Eoghan Tuttlebee from Bundoran with Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, presenting the WorldSkills recognition award from ATU

Bundoran also featured prominently through competitor Eoghan Tuttlebee, whose talent earned praise throughout the competition stages.

The WorldSkills competition, known for its exceptionally demanding technical requirements, challenges carpentry apprentices on precision, craftsmanship, and the ability to work under pressure. ATU Lecturer and WorldSkills Ireland Carpentry Expert Patrick McElwee from Downings, commended the students’ dedication, remarking: "I couldn’t be any more proud of the competitors for their work rate and dedication, this year’s final test piece was challenging to say the least containing various types of incline, raking and crossing rafters which all had to be developed first testing the geometric ability of each competitor, its being a great year for the college to have four competitors qualifying for the final in carpentry and to come away with the winner and three placed is extremely pleasing”

Padraig McGarry, Head of Department of Engineering Technology at ATU Sligo, said: “I am very proud of the long tradition we have of competing in the WorldSkills competition both nationally and internationally. It is a huge endorsement of the teaching and technical standards at ATU Sligo to produce three national champions in the same year, in the Skills of Electrical Installations, Carpentry and Joinery. Well done to all our contestants, we hope this will inspire all groups of apprentices coming through the college to reach for the stars.”

ATU continues to play a central role in supporting apprenticeships and advanced craft training across the west and northwest.