The five finalists in the BIM Young Fishermonger 2015 competition are preparing for the final hurdle, after which the winner will be announced at the awards event in the Radisson St. Helen’s Hotel, Dublin on November 24.
The finalists - Gerard Collier, Clogerhead; Stevie Connolly, Rathmines; Mateusz Kowalik, Howth; Gary Quinn, Mullingar and Neil Turner, Glasthule – are due to have their practical skills tested on November 12.
Each finalist will be required to fillet and prepare a range of fish and shellfish under time constraints in BIM’s Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty.
The competition is now in its second year, and aims to recognise and reward young fishmongers, raising the bar across the sector in terms of product knowledge and skills.
Donal Buckley, BIM’s Business Development & Innovation Director commented, “We are very proud of this initiative. It is a programme that directly recognises the high level of expertise and knowledge amongst young fishmongers around the country.
“It also promotes the valuable service a fishmonger provides to customers in terms of preparing and buying seafood and I hope this competition helps to encourage consumers to seek out their local fishmonger and support local business.”
The five finalists will receive a master class in seafood cookery from TV chef, Martin Shanahan, as well as a specially designed trophy, a place on BIM’s retail development workshops, a set of professional knives and a cheque for €500.
The winner will receive a study trip to France and a cheque for €1,000.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Emily Horne
