Tipperary apprentice wins top accolade at Apprentice of the Year Awards
Thurles’ Darragh Sweeney took home the Apprentice of the Year award in the Electrical category
Darragh Sweeney, a 23-year-old electrical apprentice from Thurles, Tipperary has won a top Apprentice of the Year accolade with an ‘Electrical’ Industry award at Ireland’s National Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony.
Currently completing an Electrical apprenticeship with H&MV Engineering in Castletroy, Limerick, Darragh was selected as one of the top award winners from a record number 508 nominations nationwide.
The award was presented to Darragh Sweeney, a fourth-year electrical apprentice from Templetuohy, Thurles at the national awards showcase in the RDS, Dublin, attended by more than 500 guests.
The award recognises Darragh’s skills and contribution in the Electrical industry and highlights the apprenticeship talent developing across Co Tipperary.
Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin TD presented 17 awards, including the award to Thurles own Darragh Sweeney and presented the overall Apprentice of the Year award to Sapna Sian, a Manufacturing Technology apprentice with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Limerick.
Darragh Sweeney, winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award (Electrical) said: “Receiving this national award is a fantastic honour and a very proud moment in my apprenticeship. Training as an electrical apprentice with H & MV Engineering has allowed me to develop practical skills while continuing to learn and grow throughout each stage of my learning journey, and as I work as a cable jointer working mostly on HV projects nationwide. This recognition has encouraged me to keep progressing and working towards the next chapter of my career and I am delighted to be recognised with this award and to take it home to Thurles.”
Speaking at the awards event, Minister Harkin said: “Apprentices are at the heart of Ireland’s skilled workforce. I wish to congratulate Darragh Sweeney on this incredible achievement, along with all 508 nominees. Their talent, commitment and skills are helping to shape Ireland’s future workforce.”
Deirdre McDonnell, CEO at SOLAS added: “Apprenticeships provide a valuable pathway to rewarding careers and help employers develop the skills they need. Congratulations to Darragh and all 17 award winners and every nominee on this well-deserved recognition.”