Finalists set for a grilling in bid to win Young Fishmonger of the Year
Now in its second year, the competition aims to recognise and reward young fishmongers and, in doing so, raise the bar across the sector in terms of product knowledge and skills.
Donal Buckley, BIM’s business development and innovation director, said the initiative recognised the high level of expertise and knowledge among young fishmongers.
The five finalists are Gerard Collier, Fishermans Catch in Clogherhead, Co Louth; Stevie Connolly, Connolly’s Fish Company, Rathmines Rd, Dublin; Mateusz Kowalik, Dorans on the Pier, Howth, Co Dublin; Gary Quinn, Stephens Fish Market, Mullingar, Co Westmeath; and Neil Turner, Cavistons Food Emporium, Glasthule, Co Dublin
They will now compete in round two and three of the competition — which involves visits by the judges to assess their knowledge of seafood, quality issues, skills, and customer service.
Finalists will also be tested on practical skills in BIM’s Seafood Development Centre, Clonakilty, West Cork. As part of their prize, the quintet will receive a masterclass in seafood cookery from TV chef and owner of Fishy Fishy restaurant in Kinsale, Martin Shanahan.
The winner will receive a study trip to France and a cheque for €1,000.
The overall winner will be named in the Radisson Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin, on November 24.
