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:
TUS Athlone Students Voice Concerns Over Rising Fuel Costs
It comes as Finance Minister Simon Harris says the government is reviewing the numbers affected by high fuel costs.
Revenue Seize Over €94k Of Contraband In Various Operations
Seizures were made in the Midlands, Dublin, Kilkenny and Rosslare Europort.
Over €7.4 Million Announced For Housing Adaption Grants For Midlands
The grants will improve homes for older people and disabled people in the region.
Three Hour Commute Forced Midlands Woman To Leave Dublin Hospital Job
Deirdre Gowran worked in Crumlin Children's Hospital.
Westmeath Fundraising Committee Seek Volunteers For 24 Hour Walk
'Relay for Life' is returning to Tyrellspass this September to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.
Snow Could Be On The Cards This Week Despite Longer Evenings
Different parts of the country woke up to snow on Friday morning.
First Laois Finalist In National Heritage Awards
The Malt House is based in Stradbally.
'Hocus Pocus… No More Focus' Driver Caught In Laois Hours Into Driving Ban
The driver is due to appear before the courts.
Tolü Makay And Katelyn Cummins Into Dancing With the Stars Final
The midlands stars will be performing for victory this Sunday.
Over €65K Funding For Midlands Agricultural Shows
The shows are taking place in summer this year.
Westmeath TD Condemns Arson Attacks On Westmeath Churches
Churches in Castletown Geoghegan and Kilbeggan were attacked over the weekend.
Road Hauliers Warn Of Rolling Protests Over Rising Fuel Costs
Hauliers want to see carbon tax abolished.
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses To Vandalised Westmeath Train
The incident happened on Saturday.
Giant Concrete Pipes Depart Offaly Concrete Company For Bypass Project
The pipes are making their journey from Tullamore's Condron Concrete to the site in Limerick.
Further Grants Possible To Help Homeowners With Rising Costs - Taoiseach
Micheal Martin says the situation is being closely monitored as conflict in the Middle East unfolds.
Laois County Council Launch Centenarian Award
Breda Fitzpatrick is the first ever recipient of the council's award.
Midlands Set To Get €7.2M For Retrofitting Social Homes
It comes from the Housing Departments' Energy Retrofit Programme.
Midlands MEP Challenging Proposed CAP Reforms After Audit
Ciaran Mullooly feels it's confirmation new CAP plans will not simplify rules.
Bressie Opens Up About Pregnancy Loss In New Book
Mullingar's Niall Breslin is sharing experience from a male perspective, in his new book The Place That Has Never Been Wounded.
New Irish Sign Language Tours For OPW Sites
This initiative aims to make cultural heritage more assessable.
