West Cavan stonemason shortlisted for top award

A West Cavan stonemason stands a chance at winning a grand prize worth €20,000 including tools, technology and training if selected as the overall winner of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson competition next month.

Brian McLoughlin from Glangevlin, owner of Cavan-based Quality Stoneworks, has made it through to the final 30 and the semi-final stage of the competition to date.

Brian hopes his participation in the competition can help promote stone masonry as an occupation and prevent the trade from dying out.

From the townland of Curraghglass, the son of Maureen and Michael McLoughlin, Brian is following in the footsteps of his great grandfather James who was also a stonemason and used his skills to help build many local churches. Brian attended secondary school in Drumkeerin, Co.Leitrim before completing his apprenticeship at South West College in Enniskillen.

Recognised for this talent and up against industry peers from across the UK and Ireland, Brian faced an online interview in mid-August before the number is whittled down to a final 10 who will progress for a place at the prestigious Screwfix Live event Fanborough, UK, on September 22-24. While there, a panel of esteemed industry experts will put the finalists through their paces before announcing the champion.

Now in its 14th year, the Screwfix Top Tradesperson annual award celebrates the work of tradespeople - from electricians to plumbers, builders to painters, and carpenters to roofers - highlighting their professionalism and dedication to promoting and supporting the future of the industry.