Atlantic Technological University (ATU) celebrated another successful year at WorldSkills Ireland 2026, with 5 students and apprentices securing national titles and 26 competitors representing the university.
Among the winners was Colm Lacey from Lahinch, co. Clare, who claimed first place in Toolmaking while representing ATU.
Clare was represented by two ATU competitors:
Colm Lacey, Lahinch – Toolmaking (Winner)
Nial Mc Mahon, Ennis – Cabinetmaking
The pair were part of an ATU team that secured five category wins across carpentry, cabinetmaking, joinery, industrial control and toolmaking.
Professor Graham Heaslip, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at ATU, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Seoirse, Colm, Eoin, Tom and Méabh at WorldSkills Ireland, but we are equally proud of all 26 ATU competitors who committed themselves to this journey. Their dedication, professionalism and willingness to test themselves on a national stage exemplify the talent being developed across ATU and the strength of our apprenticeship and skills programmes.
I also want to acknowledge the lecturers, technical staff and employers whose mentoring and support made this possible. These students are the skilled professionals our region and our industries depend on, and they have done themselves, their families and ATU proud.”
ATU continues to work closely with employers and industry partners to provide apprenticeship pathways that equip learners with the practical skills, technical knowledge and workplace experience needed for successful careers.