Local fishmongers scaling the heights

TWO Northsiders are among five finalists hoping to net a title that aims to recognise and reward young fishmongers.  

Stephen Fagan, a fishmonger at Kish Fish, Coolock, and George Stephens, who works at The Fish Market, Blanchardstown, will be competing with three other fishmongers from Cork, Galway and Kerry for the title of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Young Fishmonger 2016.

Stephen has over four years’ experience as a fishmonger in the Kish Fish seafood business. He originally honed his skills in the company’s Bow Street shop and then moved to the modern premises in Coolock. 

Stephen prides himself on a well-stocked fish counter that caters for all their customers, from business people to busy mums and everyone in between, and knows the importance of customer service and keeping up with consumer trends.

George Stephens is professional chef with eight years’ seafood retail experience. 

He knows all there is about preparing and cooking seafood. Supported by his wife and business partner Anne, George has a real drive and passion for developing his business further.   

Seafood chef and TV personality Martin Shanahan will provide a master class in seafood cookery to the finalists. 

The finalists will now compete in round two and three of the competition which involves in-depth visits by the judges to assess their knowledge of seafood, their understanding of quality issues, skills, techniques and customer service. 

They will be tested on their business insight and practical skills at BIM’s Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty on November 11. 

This will include filleting and preparing a range of fish and shellfish under time constraints, as well as discussing their future business plans. 

The 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 overall winner will receive a study trip to France and a cheque for €1,000.