Cork's Leon Doody to fly the flag for Ireland at WorldSkills competition in China

A young Cork man is preparing to represent Ireland at the 2026 WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, China, later on this month.

Leon Doody from Banteer, who started his career assembling products at EPS Group in Mallow and went on to complete a retail sales apprenticeship with the company, will compete in the retail sales element of the cpmpetition.

Mr Doody will be him up against some of the most talented young people from around the world, in an international competition which is designed to showcase excellence in vocational skills.

It was during his studies at Tipperary Education and Training Board that his teacher Mairead Clohessy recognised his potential and encouraged him to enter WorldSkills Ireland last year.

Mr Doody rose to the occasion, securing a medal at the national competition while representing both Tipperary ETB and EPS Group.

His performance subsequently put him in the frame for selection for Team Ireland and the opportunity to compete internationally in Shanghai.

Mr Doody said he is excited to represent Ireland on the global stage.

“You see soccer players representing their country abroad and you never think you could get the chance to do the same. So, this is like a dream come true in that sense.”

Source of enormous pride

EPS Group products manager Anthony McCarthy said that Leon’s progression pathway to representing Ireland is a source of enormous pride for the company.

“Leon has taken to sales like a duck to water. We are incredibly proud of the journey he has made in such a short space of time. From putting himself forward for the apprenticeship, to the way he applied himself to his studies and now representing Ireland on the international stage,” he said.

“Leon created this opportunity for himself by having the confidence to put his hand up in the first place and he has grabbed every opportunity since. 

"Everyone at EPS will be very proudly supporting him when he takes to the WorldSkills stage in Shanghai.”