Limerick chef Charlie Ward wins two medals at WorldSkills Shanghai

Twenty‑two‑year‑old Charlie Ward of Rathkeale, Limerick, has secured two top honours at the 2026 WorldSkills competition in Shanghai.

Ward was named Ireland’s Best of Nation and also earned a bronze medal in the cookery category, part of the annual global event that showcases technical skills, apprenticeships and further education.

He began cooking at home and entered professional kitchens at age 15, gaining experience in restaurants that include Michelin‑starred establishments. Ward has previously represented Ireland at competitions in Atlanta and Shanghai.

In Shanghai, he was one of 16 members of Team Ireland, competing against 1,400 young people from 68 countries.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: BI ravencrow / Pexels.