Mayo's Tom Finan crowned national joinery champion

There was huge pride in Ardagh and across Mayo when joiner Tom Finan was crowned the national winner of the Joinery Competition at WorldSkills Ireland 2026.

Tom, from Ardagh, represented ATU Sligo at the prestigious event, which took place at the RDS in Dublin.

The three-day WorldSkills Ireland competitions, which is in its 70th year, coincided with the 'Higher Options' third-level institutions event.

It brought 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 showcased 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.

For Tom and the other competitors, this added another dimension to an already challenging competition, as they worked under the watchful eyes of large crowds while being tested on their technical ability, accuracy, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Tom was one of four competitors from County Mayo taking part in WorldSkills Ireland this year, having qualified through ATU Sligo as part of his Apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery.

He faced four other talented competitors from Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford and Sligo, with the five competitors battling it out over three demanding days.

Tom previously attended St Tiernan’s College, Crossmolina, before progressing to ATU Sligo as part of his apprenticeship training with his employer.

He is currently employed by David McHale Carpentry & Joinery in Knockmore, where he has benefited enormously from the support, encouragement and experience of his employer and mentor, David McHale.

For Tom’s parents, Brian and Leona Finan, and the entire Finan family, his success has been a hugely proud moment.

They are extremely proud of the hard work and determination Tom has shown throughout his apprenticeship and of the way he represented Ardagh, Mayo, ATU Sligo, and his employer on the national stage.

For Tom, however, the three days culminated in something very special — being announced in the RDS Concert Hall as the WorldSkills Ireland 2026 national winner in Joinery.

He is now in with a chance of being selected for Team Ireland internationally.