Write a commentThe Southern Regional College in Newry certainly had reason to celebrate this week when they entertained SRC student Gary Doyle, recipient of the ‘Best Plumber in the World’ award at WorldSkills 2015 in Brazil.
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The 21 year old plumbing apprentice from Ballyward, triumphed at the global skills competition WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015, winning a gold medal in the Plumbing and Heating category and is now crowned the ‘Best Plumber in the World’. Gary’s success followed four days of intense competition against more than 1000 of the world’s most skilled young people.
Opening the celebrations at Southern Regional College, Mr. Brian Doran, Chief Executive said: “This is a truly remarkable achievement for Gary. He has proven his level of skill and expertise - it doesn’t get any better than being crowned the ‘Best Plumber in the World.’ I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Ronnie Ferris, SRC lecturer and mentor, who has guided Gary throughout his training at the College and journey to global success. Gary is a shining example of how hard work, dedication, commitment and skill can achieve great things. We are delighted to add Gary to the SRC Student Roll of Honour.”
Following the presentation of a bespoke copper pipe award to Gary, Employment and Learning Minister Dr. Stephen Farry congratulated him on his outstanding achievement. He said: “To be selected to represent the UK to compete at WorldSkills Brazil was in itself a great achievement but to then go on and win a gold medal is magnificent. Gary should feel very proud that the hard work and commitment he has displayed has paid off and to be awarded the title of ‘the world’s best plumber’ is an accolade few can match. I would like to thank Gary for representing Northern Ireland so well on the world stage and for inspiring others to strive to be the best they can be. I am sure it will stand him in very good stead in his future career.
“I would like to thank the College for supporting Gary and in particular Ronnie Ferris, Gary’s lecturer and mentor, for sharing his expertise and working with Gary to ensure he was ready to take on the world. I would also like to thank Gary’s employer, Kieran Trainor, for his support and for investing in the skills of his workforce.”
Gary’s parents and family have also been a great source of encouragement to him on his journey and they should feel very proud of his achievements.”
Gary was also presented with an award from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council by Vice-Chairperson Gillian Fitzpatrick. She said: “As Vice-Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, I am delighted to recognise Gary's achievement. Gary has excelled in his chose field of work and his efforts and commitment are testament to what can be achieved through hard work and skill. I wish him every success in the future and hope his new found success can allow others locally to benefit from his knowledge and expertise.”
Gary, employed by Kieran Traynor Plumbing and Heating, has won numerous competitions at both a local and national level.
Taking place every two years, WorldSkills is the world’s largest skills competition and is held around the globe to celebrate skills and to share best practice between industries and countries. Staged from 11-16 August 2015, WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015 gave the world’s most talented young people the chance to battle it out to be named the best of the best in skills ranging from web design and aircraft maintenance to hairdressing and visual merchandising.
Overall the 41 strong UK team, whose members are all aged 18-25, won three Gold, four Silver and two Bronze medals and 24 Medallions for Excellence.
