Dublin student crowned Retail Sales Champion at WorldSkills Ireland 2025
WorldSkills Ireland is the country’s largest skills and apprenticeship event, attracting more than 30,000 students from over 300 schools this year
Print29 September 2025
A Dublin student has been crowned Ireland’s top young retailer after winning the Retail Sales competition at WorldSkills Ireland 2025, sponsored by SPAR.
Jonathan Murray impressed judges with his skills during the live final at the RDS in Dublin, finishing ahead of three other national finalists.
The competition tested the students on their ability to deliver professional customer service and demonstrate the practical skills needed for a career in retail.
WorldSkills Ireland is the country’s largest skills and apprenticeship showcase, attracting more than 30,000 students from over 300 schools this year.
Over three days, 180 finalists competed across 35 categories covering construction, engineering, ICT, hospitality, logistics and the creative arts.
The event ‘highlights the career opportunities available beyond traditional academic pathways’.
Speaking after the competition, Peter Donohoe, chief people officer, BWG Foods, owner and operator of SPAR Ireland, said: “Jonathan’s [Murray] success is a fantastic example of the opportunities available to young people in retail. Retail plays a central role in communities all over Ireland, and as one of Ireland’s largest and most dynamic sectors, it is built on people with real skill and passion.
“At SPAR we are proud to support WorldSkills Ireland showcasing the calibre of talent coming through and the value of investing in skills.”
The four finalists in the Retail Sales competition were:
- Simon Carey, Tralee, Co. Kerry
- Leon Doody, Mallow, Co. Cork
- Niamh Foley, Youghal, Co. Cork (SPAR Youghal)
- Jonathan Murray, Dublin
Ray English, co-chair, WorldSkills Ireland added: “We’re delighted to welcome BWG on board as a sponsor for WorldSkills Ireland 2025.
“Skills and apprenticeships are vital to the continued growth of Ireland’s industries and the strength of our economy. We believe that by working together to promote opportunities within these sectors, we can help to create a brighter future for our young people, our industries and our country.
“By supporting this event, companies like BWG are helping us showcase the huge range of rewarding, hands-on, future-focused careers available to young people.
“Together, with the support of industry, we can shift perceptions, close the skills gap, and build a sustainable pipeline of talent for the future.”
For further information, visit: www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow WorldSkills Ireland on social media.
Read more: BWG wins SPAR Sustainability Award
© 2025, by ShelfLife reporter
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