Two Galway men are set to represent Ireland at the 45th WorldSkills Competition in Russia later this month.

Apprentice Jack O’Donnell from Lettermore and student Ruairí Grealish from Galway City will be among 17 young Irish apprentices, trainees and students taking part in the event, which is recognised as the Skills Olympics.

Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney said: “I want to wish both young men the very best of luck in the event.

“Skills training and apprenticeships provide a path for young people to acquire professional expertise to further their careers and are crucial to our economic development and competitiveness.

“I firmly believe that school leavers should consider learning a skill or trade because it is something that can stand to them for the rest of their lives.”

Jack will be representing Ireland in the Plumbing and Heating competition and Ruairí will be representing Ireland in the Restaurant Service competition.

WorldSkills will be held in Kazan between August 22-27. It will involve 1,600 competitors from 63 countries taking part in 56 skills categories.

Team Ireland is equally funded by the Further Education and Training Authority SOLAS, the Education and Training Boards Ireland and the Higher Education Authority.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639

August 8 2019