Mayo native Callum Shiel triumphs at WorldSkills Ireland finals

Callum Shiel, a native of Kilmovee, has successfully competed in the WorldSkills Ireland 2024 event at the RDS in Dublin over the weekend.

He was overjoyed when announced as the winner of the sheetmetal section of the prestigious event.

WorldSkills is dedicated to promoting skills, apprenticeship careers and work opportunities for young people.

Callum , who is 20, grew up in Kilmovee but now lives in Bailieboro, Co. Cavan.

Over three days in the RDS students and apprentices from all over Ireland put their talents and knowledge of their craft to the test.

Over 170 finalists went head to head in a range of skill based trades including automation and construction trades.

Callum’s task, in front of a live audience, was to design a light lantern.

The quality of the work delighted the panel of three judges.

“It was tough doing it live”, he admitted afterwards.

“There wasn’t that much time allowed for finishing the project."

Members of Callum’s family from Bailieboro and Kilmovee, including his mother, Fiona and grandparents John and Chrissy travelled to Dublin for the event.

Also watching proudly was Callum’s employer, Michael Ward, director of MJW Engineering which is based in Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan.

MJW are specialists in aluminium and stainless steel fabrication.

Callum is due to finish his apprenticeship next June.

A keen hurler, Callum is a member of the East Cavan Gaels hurling team which recently won the Cavan senior title.