NEWS
A plumber from Leixlip, Co Kildare has run in the Dublin Marathon to raise funds for the Irish Kidney Association after his wife received a life-saving kidney trans- plant. Stephen Rubotham ran in his first-ever marathon on October 26 to honour his wife of one year Niamh McCabe, who received a kidney from her best friend Lindsay Daly. Niamh went into end-stage kidney failure in 2024 caused by polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary condition which has affected several members of her extended family. Stephen was the first to be tested to donate a kidney to Niamh but was not a match while, after initial complications, Lindsay was able to successfully donate a kidney. The story of their friendship first captured hearts when Niamh and Lindsay were winners of coveted audience tickets to the RTÉ Late Late Toy Show special in December 2024. “The Irish Kidney Association has helped our family through some very tough years,” said Stephen. “This marathon is my way of giving back and raising awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.” To support Stephen Rubotham’s Dublin Marathon fundraiser for the Irish Kidney Association, visit www.eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/ SR61207287 KILDARE PLUMBER RUNS MARATHON AFTER WIFE’S LIFE- SAVING TRANSPLANT
WorldSkills Ireland 2025 Plumbing and Heating winner Adam Harbour is pictured, centre.
WORLDSKILLS PLUMBING & HEATING TITLE GOES TO WATERFORD SETU APPRENTICE
Adam Harbour, an apprentice study- ing at Waterford SETU, has won the Plumbing and Heating category at WorldSkills Ireland 2025. Held at RDS Simmonscourt over Sep- tember 17-19, the event welcomed more than 30,000 students from over 300 schools across the country for Ireland’s largest skills and apprenticeship show- case. Over three days, young people got to experience first-hand the wide range of skills, trades and career opportunities now on offer. The event gave students the chance to meet employers, try out different skills, hear from apprentices already work-
ing in their industries and see the latest technologies in action. Celebrating excellence within the indus- try, a highlight was the National Compe- tition Finals, where 180 competitors took part in 35 different skills finals including Plumbing and Heating, Electrical Instal- lation, Engineering and Construction. Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said, “The standard of skill across the board was extremely high and shows the real quality coming through our ap- prenticeship and training programmes. WorldSkills Ireland has become a real showcase for what’s possible – for stu- dents, parents and teachers alike.” www.worldskillsireland.ie
SWC STUDENT ACHIEVES MEDALLION FOR EXCELLENCE AT EUROSKILLS
Co Tyrone plumbing apprentice Andrew McCann has received a Medallion for Excellence in Plumbing and Heating at EuroSkills Herning 2025. Andrew, who is from Aughnacloy, is currently studying one day a week at South West College (SWC) Omagh while working with Anderson Mechanical Services in Loughgall. Andrew competed at Euroskills over Septem- ber 9-13 as part of Team UK, which is selected and trained by WorldSkills UK. EuroSkills is an important milestone in Team UK’s preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Celine McCartan, Principal and Chief Executive at SWC, said, “Congratulations to Andrew on his outstanding
SWC apprentice Andrew McCann received a Medallion for Excellence in Plumbing and Heating at EuroSkills Herning 2025.
achievement and to Team UK for winning multiple medals at WorldSkills. “These results highlight the value of national and international competitions in raising the standards of education and training, while showcasing the incredible talent of our region’s students and apprentices on the world stage. “Andrew’s success is a testament to his skill and dedication, supported by our staff, his employer Anderson Mechanical Services and the encouragement of his family and friends.” www.swc.ac.uk
L-R: Stephen Rubotham and Niamh McCabe.
PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE | 7
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