
Mark Williams is returning to the global stage at the end of the month.
The creme da la creme of butchery - that's what a Laois man is aiming for as he represents Team Ireland for the third time at the World Butchers's Event.
Mark Williams of Williams' Butchers in Abbeyleix joins a team of five this weekend in Paris, having previously won the title in Belfast in 2018.
He was also part of the fourth placed team that won the "Best Sausages in the World" Award in Sacramento in 2022.
A three and a half hour challenge sees participants having to cut up sides of beef, pork, a full lamb and six chickens.
The main competition begins in earnest on Monday after an opening ceremony and apprentice butcher competitions on Thursday and Sunday.
Mr Williams says it's not just everyday butchery that gets you the gold: