Ardrahan apprentice Seán Bermingham has won a top Construction Award at Ireland’s National Apprentice of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony.
Seán Bermingham who has completed and now graduated from the Stonecutting and Stonemasory apprenticeship with Irish Natural Stone was selected from 508 nominees nationwide to one of just 17 top accolades. The award was presented at a ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall Dublin, attended by more than 500 guests.
Now self-employed and working mainly in the area of stone conservation since graduating from his apprenticeship, this award recognises 50-year-old Seán’s outstanding skills and contributions in Stonecutting, Stonemasonry and Construction, and highlights the superb apprenticeship talent developing across County Galway with apprenticeships.
Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marian Harkin TD presented 17 awards, including the overall Apprentice of the Year award to Sapna Sian, a Manufacturing Technology apprentice with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Limerick.
Seán Bermingham, winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award (Construction ) said she is honoured to receive this amazing Apprentice of the Year Construction Industry Award and delighted to have my skills and apprenticeship recognised nationally.
“Stonecutting and Stonemasonry require practical ability, precision and a commitment to continuously improving creativity, knowledge of the craft and skills, and I am delighted to have my skills recognised with this national award. My previous experience provided a strong foundation for developing my skills and career, and I would like to thank everyone who mentored and supported me along the journey. With special thanks to Mr.Tom Little and fellow classmates on the apprenticeship, I am delighted with this achievement.”
Speaking at the awards event, Minister Harkin said apprentices are at the heart of Ireland’s skilled workforce.
“I wish to congratulate Seán Bermingham on his incredible achievement, along with all 508 nominees. Their talent, commitment and skills are helping to shape Ireland’s future workforce.”Deirdre McDonnell, CEO of SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland added:“Apprenticeships provide a valuable pathway to rewarding careers and help employers develop the skills they need. Congratulations to Sean Bermingham, Sapna Sian and all 17 award winners and every nominee on this well-deserved recognition.”
