Talented Mayo man takes his skills to another level
Tom Finan from Ardagh is the 2026 WorldSkills Joiner of the Year.
A young tradesman from Co Mayo is already at the very top of his game having seen off the rest of the best woodturners in the country at the WorldSkills Ireland championships in Dublin.
20-year-old Tom Finan from Ardagh brought huge pride to his parish – and to the county – as the local carpenter was crowned the national winner of the Joinery competition at WorldSkills Ireland 2026.
Tom was representing ATU Sligo at the prestigious event, which ran for three days at the RDS in Dublin.
The WorldSkills Ireland competition, which is in its 70th year, coincides with the 'Higher Options' third-level institutions event. It brings together some of the country’s most talented young apprentices and students, with 30 competitions taking place across a wide range of skilled trades. It also showcases other further education and work opportunities available to students post-secondary school.
Thousands of students from schools and colleges around the country attended the event, giving them the opportunity to watch the competitions live and see first-hand the skill, precision and dedication required by the competitors.
