NEWS
Medal for Andrew at WorldSkills
Top plumber at WorldSkills Ireland
Andrew McCann, a part-time lecturer at South West College (SWC) and founder of AMC Plumbing & Heating in Dunmurry, has been awarded a Medal for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The 21-year-old from Aughnacloy achieved the recognition, which denotes worldclass standards, after competing in the Plumbing and Heating category over September 22-27. Andrew was one of 28 competitors chosen to represent Team UK across 25 skill competitions at WorldSkills, having been selected and trained by WorldSkills UK in partnership with lifelong learning company Pearson. WorldSkills provides a global platform for talented young professionals to showcase their expertise and demonstrate the value of technical and vocational skills. Andrew’s journey to the world stage began at SWC, where he studied
Jones Engineering apprentice Daniel Herlihy has secured first place in the Plumbing & Heating competition at WorldSkills Ireland 2026, held in the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin over September 16-18. Finalists were challenged to complete a complex project within 21 hours, with marks awarded for dimensional accuracy, quality and alignment of pipework, and overall cleanliness and presentation of the work area. Having previously reached the WorldSkills Ireland National Final in 2024, Daniel returned this year with determination and delivered an outstanding performance. Jones Engineering said his achievement is a testament to his technical ability, dedication and commitment to excellence. Daniel’s success has also earned him the opportunity to represent Ireland at EuroSkills 2027 in Düsseldorf, Germany. WorldSkills Ireland saw more than 160 students and apprentices competing across 31 live National Skills competitions. Around 30,000 students, parents and teachers attended live competitions, hands- on experiences and opportunities to explore education, training and career pathways. www.worldskillsireland.ie
Andrew McCann.
Plumbing and Heating before qualifying as a plumber and heating engineer. Today, alongside running his own business, AMC Plumbing and Heating Services, he is helping to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople as a part-time lecturer
at the College. www.swc.ac.uk
Passiv Smart Thermostat, available from Midsummer Ireland.
Midsummer forms partnership with Passiv
Passiv UK’s Smart Thermostat is now available to installers across the Republic of Ireland through Midsummer Ireland, marking Passiv UK’s first move into the Irish market. Dublin-based Midsummer Ireland’s established network of renewable energy installers can help their customers maximise heat pump performance, reduce running costs and deliver greater control. Showcased at Plumbex Dublin, the Passiv Smart Thermostat is compatible with 15+ leading heat pump brands. Angus Baker, Sustainable Heat Division Head at Midsummer Ireland, said, “We’re
pleased to be bringing the Passiv Smart Thermostat to the Irish market, adding it to our growing portfolio of renewable heating technologies. “Its focus on optimising heat pump performance, combined with its compatibility with a wide range of systems, makes it a valuable addition for installers looking to deliver efficient heating solutions to their customers. “Passiv smart thermostats automatically commission the heat pump system and fine-tune its running without needing to return to site, and remote monitoring gives ongoing viability on performance.” www.midsummer.ie/www.passivuk.com
Daniel Herlihy.
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