Mayo man to represent Ireland on international stage
Gary Golden.
Mayo man, Gary Golden, is one of 18 young people who travelled to Lyon, France this week to compete as Team Ireland at the 2024 World Skills event.
The WorldSkills competition will see over 1,500 competitors from more than 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 skills areas. Team Ireland will compete in areas including Industrial Mechanics, Beauty Therapy, Carpentry, Food and Hospitality, Cybersecurity and Construction.
Ireland’s talented team was announced by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD at Government Buildings, Dublin.
Minister O’Donovan said: “By competing at this very experienced level, Team Ireland is also showcasing the range and diversity of skills careers and Apprenticeships available in Ireland. We hope that this will inspire today’s youth to explore the multiple career pathways available now through Further Education, Apprenticeships and Higher Education.” Gary is part of Team Ireland and will be competing in Industrial Mechanics after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event. Gary from Swinford, Co Mayo attended Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick for the craft of Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting (MAMF).
Commenting on his journey to represent Ireland at World Skills Lyon, Gary said: “I am delighted to be part of Team Ireland for this year’s World Skills competition in Lyon. I am honoured to represent my Craft employer - Olandi Engineering, Co. Mayo & Ireland at WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
"The training at Kerry College in Tralee and MSLETB in Ballina in preparation for the competition in Lyon has been exceptional. I wish to thank Tom Cronin, Skills Expert in Kerry College for co-ordinating the training program and Patrick Lawrence, Manufacturing Technology Instructor in MSLETB for delivering training in Ballina TC.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to further my career and the connections I have made through this experience is something I will never forget. I cannot express enough gratitude to everyone involved at WorldSkills Ireland for the opportunity.”
