BIM Young Fishmonger 2016 finalists announced

Five young fishmongers from counties Cork, Dublin, Galway and Kerry, have been shortlisted for the BIM Fishmonger 2016 Competition, which aims to recognise and reward emerging fishmongers on their product knowledge and skills. 

Finalists: George Stephens, Stephen Fagan, Lida Ulaszek, Eoghan Crowe and Peter Shanahan

The competition is supported by seafood chef and TV personality, Martin Shanahan, who will give a maserclass in seafood cookery to the finalists. Beforehand they will be assessed by the judges on their knowledge, quality issues, techniques and customer service.

The final test will focus on their business insight, and practical skills on filleting and preparing fish and shellfish in a limited time. The overall winner will be announced in Martin Shanahan’s restaurant, Fishy Fishy in Kinsale, Co Cork.

Donal Buckley, BIM’s Business Develoment & Innovation Director, said the competition recognised “young talented fishermen/fisherwomen that have a clear passion for seafood. They represent a bright future for the business which after a difficult few years has seen a recovery with total seafood sales increasing by 5% this year.” 

Finalists will receive 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. 

Finalists:

George Stephens: The Fish Market, Blanchardstown, Co Dublin

Stephen Fagan: Kish, Fish, Coolock, Co Dublin

Peter Shanahan: Fish Seafood Deli, Rosscarbery, West Cork

Lida Ulaszek: Dunnes Stores, Knocknacarra, Galway

Eoghan Crowe: Qunlan’s Killarney, Co Kerry