The Institute has a tradition of taking prizes at this annual competition, one of the most prestigious in the crafts’ calendar, and has come first in the Joinery Final for four years running.
Adrian Flaherty from Kinnity, Co Offaly is the latest to win the National Joinery Final, securing the four in a row for IT Sligo. Adrian who was also presented with the John Sisk & Sons Trophy at the prize giving ceremony in Cork Institute of Technology has now completed his studies in IT Sligo and is working in the family business in Kinnity.
Commenting on the results, Mr Trevor McSharry, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and construction is delighted that the new and innovative BSc Advanced Wood & Sustainable Building Technology programme at IT Sligo, which was tailor made to meet the needs of the Green Economy, has already made its mark in such a prestigious event.
“This new programme is now one of the biggest in the Department due to student demand. Having been awarded a grant of over €66,000, we’re excited about sending students and staff to Germany shortly for two weeks of efficient timber construction training,” he commented.
The National Skills Competition took place at CIT’s Bishopstown campus from September 10th to 12th. The skills showcased included Automobile Technology, Carpentry, Construction, Plant Fitting, Electrical Installations, Industrial Control, Joinery, Metal Fabrication, Plastering, Refrigeration and Welding.
“We are delighted that so many of our students are helping to set the standard for excellence in workmanship,” said IT Sligo lecturer John Joe O’Reilly who trained the joinery competitors. He pointed out that the competition attracts the best young trainee crafts persons from around the country and provides a showcase for the training and development of highly skilled crafts persons within the Irish education system. It also gives them a platform on the international stage.
Another IT Sligo lecturer Cathal Naughton, who was an examiner in the National Finals, was responsible for training the carpenters.
The IT Sligo finalists also included Paul Hosty from Castlegal, Co Galway who came second in the National Joinery Final, and James Conlon from Dromahair, Co Leitrim who came third in this section. James is now employed by Ivan Hamilton building contractor in Dromahair. Sheamus McLaughlin from Kerrykeel Co Donegal, a student on the recently launched Advanced Wood & Sustainable Building Technology degree course, came fifth in the joinery final.
Jamie Conlon and Sheamus McLoughlin, will both be eligible to compete in the World Skills competition due to be held in Leipzig Germany in 2013.
Ciaran McQuaid from Scotshouse Clones Co Monaghan and Dave O’Reilly from Carpenterstown Co Dublin came third and fourth respectively in the carpentry final.
“All our students performed to a very high standard and represented the college with great distinction over the demanding 18 hour competition,” said Mr O’Reilly who is the Ireland Skills Chief Joinery Expert.
 Adrian Flaherty being presented with 1st place in the 2012 Ireland Skills Joinery final, pictured from left: IT Sligo Lecturer & Ireland Skills Joinery Chief Expert John Joe O Reilly, Barbara Murray Mayor of Cork County, President of CIT Dr. Brendan J. Murphy, Winner Adrian Flaherty from Kinnity, Offaly, John Buttimer, Lord Mayor of Cork City and Minister of State, Department of Health and Department of Justice, Equality & Defence Kathleen Lynch TD. |
Celebrating after the National Finals in Cork Institute of Technology are the IT Sligo Ireland Skills National Finalists with Paddy Giblin Technician, IT Sligo on left and IT Sligo Lecturer & Ireland Skills Joinery Chief Expert John Joe O Reilly. |