ESB Networks celebrates excellence at Apprentice of the Year 2026 Competition

ESB Networks has announced Ádhmhín Ní Riordáin (An Rinn, Co.Waterford) as our Apprentice Network Technician of the Year 2026 and Daniel Diamond (Glenealy, Co.Wicklow) as our first Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Mechanic Apprentice of the Year.

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. Congratulations to finalists Ádhmhín Ní Ríordain, James Brady, Katie Morris, Dylan Delargy, Felix Murphy and Sean O’ Roarke. This year, ESB Networks also recognised excellence in the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Mechanic Apprenticeship for the first time, highlighting the critical role of fleet maintenance and equipment support in delivering a safe and reliable electricity network. Congratulations to finalists Daniel Diamond, Natasha Rowan and Michael O’Brien for taking part.

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.”

Both awards highlight the strength of ESB Networks’ apprenticeship programme, which plays a vital role in building the skilled workforce needed to maintain and develop Ireland’s electricity network into the future. Combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, the programme equips apprentices with the technical knowledge, safety awareness and teamwork skills essential to their roles.

Apprentice Network Technician of the Year