Mayo College of FET host hugely successful All-Ireland hairdressing colleges championships
THE Mayo College of Further Education & Training hosted the All-Ireland Hairdressing Colleges Championships on Tuesday, February 3 last. The event took place in The Castle, Westport, (run by The Castlecourt Hotel), firmly establishing itself as a standout event in the national hairdressing education calendar and celebrating the talent, creativity and commitment of students who travelled from across Ireland to take part.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was electric. Students arrived representing colleges from across the country each bringing their own style, skill and passion to the competition floor. What united them was a shared love of hairdressing and a determination to perform at their very best on a national stage.
The championships were expertly organised by Heather Lynott Moore and Siobhan Costello Feeney, hairdressing teachers at Mayo College of FET, whose vision, dedication and attention to detail, ensured a professionally run event with students and education firmly at its heart. Their work created an environment where learners felt supported, encouraged and proud to showcase their skills.
The standard of competition throughout the day was exceptional. Across all categories, students demonstrated strong technical foundations alongside creativity, originality and an awareness of contemporary trends. The level of preparation and professionalism on display reflected the high quality of hairdressing education being delivered in colleges nationwide.
Speaking on the success of the event, Michael Murphy, Principal of Mayo College of FET, expressed his delight with the championships and the opportunity to host such a prestigious occasion. “We were absolutely delighted with the overall standard of the competition and the professionalism shown by students and staff alike. It was a great honour for Mayo College of FET to host this prestigious national event, and the success of the day is a credit to everyone involved.”
The championships were proudly supported by main sponsor Wella, who were represented on the day by Brian Maloney. Brian also expressed his delight with the event and with Wella’s involvement, noting how impressive it was to see such a high standard of emerging talent and to be part of an occasion that celebrates education, creativity and the future of the hairdressing industry. Other sponsors included L’Oréal, Schwarzkopf, Irish Hairdressing Federation, Irish Hairdressing Council, Hairdressing Educators Teacher Fellowship, ghd, Salon Select, LS Hair and Alfaparf.
A particularly meaningful highlight of the championships was the presentation of the Martha Galvin Award, named in honour of Martha Galvin. This award celebrated not only excellence in hairdressing, but also the values of dedication, passion and inspiration that Martha Galvin represents within the industry. The award was presented alongside the Martha Galvin Perpetual Cup, which will be used each year going forward as part of the competition, adding a lasting legacy to the championships.
The overall winner of the Martha Galvin Perpetual Cup and Irish Colleges Hairdresser of the Year 2026 was Laura Breen, representing ECCFE in Carlow. Her achievement stood as a testament to her exceptional skill, creativity and professionalism, and marked a proud moment for both her college and the wider hairdressing education community.
Beyond the competition floor, the championships fostered a strong sense of community. Students connected with peers from other colleges, shared experiences and gained confidence through participation. For many, it was their first experience competing at this level - an achievement in itself and a milestone they will carry forward into their future careers.
The success of the All-Ireland Hairdressing College Championships is measured not just by trophies awarded, but by confidence built, standards raised, and inspiration ignited. It stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when educators, students and the wider hairdressing community come together, and it sends a clear message that the future of Irish hairdressing is bright, skilled and full of promise.