Braving brutal cold, Waterford artist carves Irish first in Alaska ice championships

Waterford sculptor John Hayes braved brutal Alaskan temperatures to become the first Irish competitor at the World Ice Art Championships

A sculpture titled 'The Cat Lady' that was made by Waterford man John Hayes and his team at the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Despite braving sub-zero temperatures, Waterford dad of two John Hayes was feeling the heat as he battled to make history at the World Ice Art Championships in Alaska.

The craftsman made history as the first Irish man, among more than 100 participants from around the world, to compete in the World Ice Art Championships, which began in 1989 and are held annually in Alaska.