It's day three of four of the competition.
A Westmeath Painter/Decorator is currently competing against the world's best in his field in France.
Eric Bates is three days into the four day WorldSkills finals in Lyon.
The Mullingar man has three challenges to take on today.
A freestyle event, where competitors produce a piece with their own personal design, a door spraying challenge, and a main wall piece inspired by the host city.
He says he wouldn't by in Lyon if it weren't for his Dad:
RTÉ Can Win Back Favour By Showing More Championship GAA Matches - Mullooly
Some games were only available on the GAA Go app last year.
Agri Minister To Review Support Scheme For Farmers Affected
Many farmers saw their silage lost due to heavy rainfall last summer.
Offaly Family Claim €500,000 In Lotto Prize
The family syndicate won on an All Cash Extravaganza scratch card.
Doctors Call For A Ban On Sale Of Semi-Synthetic Cannabis
The College of Psychiatrists says the substance is leading to a rise in young people seeking addiction services.
Wall Displays Names Of Those Who Passed Away Following Farming Accidents
A charity dedicated to supporting families after a farm accident is displaying the wall at this year's National Ploughing Championships.
Laois Sees Largest Fall In Number Of Empty Shops
Two midlands counties are below the national average for commercial vacancy rate.
Slight Reduction In Midlands Electricity Bills Last Year - CSO
Gas bills, however, saw a significant increase in 2023.
President Officially Opens National Ploughing Championships In Laois
The major agri-event kicked off in Laois today.
Fianna Fáil Poll At A "Historic Low" Among Farmers
Farmers want to see a new rural-focused party.
Calls On Government To Do More For 'Bog Based Roads' In Offaly
Bog roads can need more frequent repair works.
Two Midlands Secondary Schools To Add New Leaving Cert Subject
43 schools around the country will see the addition of the subject.
Drunk Driver 'Five Times Over Legal Limit' Arrested In Offaly
They were stopped by Gardaí assisting at the Banagher Horse Fair.
Gardaí Appeal For Help In Finding Missing Laois Woman
She's been missing since last Friday.
Calls For More Rural Representation In Westmeath Town's Transport Plan
The draft includes car journey alternatives and supporting integration with the Greenway.
Independent Ireland Agri Policy Disregards Re-Wetting Of Boglands
The plan would also see €1b set aside for a Minister of Fisheries.
Tánaiste Insists No By Elections Planned Before General Election
Minister Martin also wants to see the current Government remain in place until February.
Education, Action, And Observation Prioritised In Offaly Bog Protection Project
A new initiative is being launched at Lough Boora Discovery Park.
"Year On Year Underfunding" Is Selling Students Short - TUS President Vincent Cunnane
The President of TUS says funding increases have been cancelled out by inflation.
More Than 1,300 People Waiting Over 18 Months For Hospital Appointments In The Midlands
The highest figure in the region comes in the Regional Hospital Mullingar.
Over 250 Cases Of People Not Turning Up To Their Driving Test Across The Midlands
The fees retained from no-shows in the region amounts to €15,000.
