Bohermeen’s Ella shines on world stage

A 21-year-old woman from Bohermeen has been recognised among the world’s top young skilled professionals after winning a Medal of Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Ella Graham Harvey, who developed a passion for beauty from a young age, was awarded the prestigious accolade after competing for Team Ireland in Beauty Therapy at the international competition.

Ella began taking beauty courses after secondary school before going on to study at Dunboyne College and competing through WorldSkills.

She was one of seven members of Team Ireland to receive a Medal for Excellence following four intense days of competition in Shanghai.

More than 1,400 young skilled professionals from 68 countries and regions took part in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, competing across 64 different skill competitions between September 22nd and 27th.

The Medal for Excellence recognises competitors who demonstrated world-class standards in their respective skills.

Ella was among seven Irish competitors to receive the accolade.

The other recipients were Darragh Brett in Joinery, James Hunt in Electrical Installations, Alison Adriaansen and Alex Ringhoffer in Cyber Security, Jack O’Keeffe in Industrial Mechanics and Kalem Redmond in Automobile Technology.

Team Ireland also returned from Shanghai with a Bronze Medal and Best of Nation award for Limerick chef Charlie Ward in Cookery.

The results mark the culmination of months of intensive preparation for the Irish competitors, who undertook specialist training and international practice competitions in the lead-up to the WorldSkills event.

Across the four-day competition, competitors were challenged to demonstrate the highest levels of technical ability, precision and professionalism in their respective skills, competing alongside some of the most talented young professionals from around the world.

The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of all 1,400 competitors, with Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals awarded to the highest-scoring competitors across the 64 skill competitions.

Medals for Excellence were awarded to competitors who reached world-class standards, while Best of Nation awards recognised the competitor from each participating country or region whose performance best reflected excellence.

Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said the results were a testament to the “talent, dedication and determination” of Ireland’s young skilled professionals.

“To see Charlie bring home a Bronze Medal and be recognised as Ireland’s Best of Nation, alongside seven Medals for Excellence across such a diverse range of skills, is a fantastic achievement,” he said.

“We are incredibly proud of every member of Team Ireland who represented their country on the world stage.”

Michael Hourihan, WorldSkills Ireland Technical Delegate, said the competition was about much more than medals, giving competitors the opportunity to test themselves against the best in the world and gain experience that would remain with them throughout their careers.

“The standard of competition in Shanghai was exceptionally high, and the results achieved by Team Ireland reflect the huge amount of work that has gone into their preparation,” he said.

For Bohermeen’s Ella, the Medal for Excellence represents an impressive achievement following her progression from an early interest in beauty to studying at Dunboyne College and competing on the international WorldSkills stage.