Clara painter makes National Skills Competition finals

A painter and decorator from Clara, Co Offaly, competed in this year"s Department of Education National Skills Competition, which was held in Cork last Friday (April 3). Kevin Dunne, who works for Smith Brothers Ltd of Tullamore, was a finalist in the painting and decorating category of this prestigious competition, sponsored by Crown Paints. The Annual National Skills Competition has been running since 1956 and this year, to mark the 30th anniversary of when the WorldSkills Competition was held in Cork in 1979, the awards took place at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) with over 70 apprentices and students from different disciplines all around Ireland competing for the much coveted Silver Medal Award. Following a week long schedule of competing, Kevin was presented with his award for the Painting and Decorating category by Collette Bracken, Brand Manager, Crown Paints. Collette Bracken commented: 'Crown Paints is delighted to continue supporting the National Skills Competition and the individuals who portray such an exceptional level of skill and aptitude in their chosen fields. We believe it is important to nurture home grown talent and congratulate all entrants on their outstanding achievements.' Other finalists from this division included Ross Jones from Dublin, and James Bent and Raymond Sinnott from Wexford. Stephen Cassin of Longford took overall first prize for Painting and Decorating.