Dublin fishmonger wins BIM Young Fishmonger 2016 Competition

George Stephens, The Fish Market, Blanchardstown, Dublin, proud winner of the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Young Fishmonger 2016 award with Tara McCarthy, BIM CEO and Martin Shanahan, TV chef and owner of Fishy Fishy restaurant, Kinsale

Competition ‘showcases the personality and expertise’ behind Ireland’s quality seafood

Print

Print

News

Read More: BIM Fish fishmonger

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Seafood Development Agency has named George Stephens from The Fish Market, Blanchardstown, Dublin the overall winner of BIM’s Young Fishmonger 2016 competition. Stephens received the good news at a BIM-hosted awards dinner in Martin Shanahan’s Fishy Fishy restaurant in Kinsale, Co. Cork on Wednesday, 11 November.

The competition was tough with his fellow finalists (Peter Shanahan, Fish Seafood Deli, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork; Stephen Fagan, Kish Fish, Coolock, Dublin; Lidia Ulaszek, Dunnes Stores, Knocknacarra, Co. Galway; Eoghan Crowe, Quinlan’s, Killarney, Co. Kerry)  all demonstrating high standards throughout the judging process.

Now in its third year, the competition involved all five finalists being extensively judged over the last two months. This included mystery shopper visits, judging visits and a practical skills test and business interview in BIM’s Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty.

George Stephens is not only an experienced fishmonger but his culinary background and business acumen has led to an expansion in the business with three retail outlets in Maynooth, Blanchardstown and Mullingar town. A professional chef with eight years seafood retail experience, Stephens is supported by his wife and business partner Anne. He is constantly working on new ready- to-go seafood products and has recently launched a new range of freshly fried fish in his Blanchardstown store, which has proved hugely popular with his customers.

For his prize, Stephens received a specially designed trophy, a study trip to France and a cheque for €1,000. All four finalists received a trophy, a place on BIM’s retail development workshop, a set of professional knives and a cheque for €500. In advance of the awards, all the finalists were treated to a masterclass in seafood cookery from Martin Shanahan in his own kitchen in Fishy Fishy.

Read More: BIM Fish fishmonger

Related Articles

Donegal Catch encourages Irish households to choose Irish white fish this National Fish Week →

Restaurants and retailers reminded to serve up legally sourced fish and shellfish →