Local fishmonger nets top award

A FISHMONGER from Dublin 15 has won the Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Young Fishmonger of the Year for 2016. 

George Stephens from The Fish Market, Roselawn, Blanchardstown, received a trophy, a trip to France and a cheque for €1,000 at the recent awards final dinner in Martin Shanahan’s Fishy Fishy restaurant in Kinsale, Co Cork.

‘I’m over the moon,” George said.

“I have always been passionate about seafood and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoy every day in the shop from the early morning delivery of local fish and shellfish to advising customers on how to cook and prepare everything from monkfish to mussels.

“We have a number of exciting business plans underway to develop new innovative seafood products in-store and the prize fund and the recognition from this award will really boost our business.”

George is a professional chef with eight years seafood retail experience and knows all there is to know about preparing and cooking seafood.

Supported by his wife and business partner, Anne, George has a real drive and a passion for developing his business and recently launched a new range of freshly fried fish to his Blanchardstown store, which has proved hugely popular with customers. 

BIM’s CEO, Tara McCarthy said: “Congratulations to George on what is a phenomenal achievement. BIM’s Young Fishmonger is more than an accolade; it showcases the personality and expertise behind our quality seafood.”