Waterford local awarded at national Apprentice of the Year competition
IMG 1: Ádhmhín Ní Riordáin, ESB Networks Apprentice of the Year, pictured with her award at the ESB Networks Apprentice of the Year awards ceremony.
ESB Networks has announced Ádhmhín Ní Riordáin from An Rinn, Co.Waterford as Apprentice Network Technician of the Year 2026.
The annual Apprentice of the Year competition brings together top-performing apprentices from across the country to showcase their technical expertise through a series of rigorous, real-world tasks, including overhead lines work, underground cable installation and smart meter installation.
This year, ESB Networks also recognised excellence in the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Mechanic Apprenticeship for the first time, with Daniel Diamond from Glenealy, Co.Wicklow) taking home the title.
Ádhmhín and Daniel were both presented with their awards by Nicholas Tarrant, Managing Director of ESB Networks, at a ceremony following the Apprentice Network Technician of the Year competition at the Networks Training Centre (NTC) in Portlaoise.
Frank Murphy Technical Training & Development Manager, ESB Networks, said: “Our apprentices are central to the work we do every day to maintain, develop and enhance Ireland’s electricity network. This competition recognises their skill, dedication and commitment to safety, while the introduction of the Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice of the Year award reflects the important role of fleet maintenance in supporting our teams and customers across the country.”
