Fishmongers angle for top award

THREE young Dubliners are up for a top fishmongers’ award.

Ian Doherty, Scott Smullen and Renêe Tallon have all been shortlisted for BIM Young Fishmonger 2018, a national title recognising excellence in their profession

Ian, from SuperValu, Crumlin, Scott from Dunnes Stores, Cornelscourt and Renêe from East Coast Seafood in Malahide, are up against five other finalists in the competition.

Ian had been working as a butcher for eight years when he encountered the opportunity to take over a seafood counter in which he saw huge potential for growth.

“I felt that I had very good practical skills plus I loved dealing with customers so while seafood was a new challenge for me, I really thought that it was something I could excel at,” he said.

Scott began his career in seafood ten years ago when he worked on fishing boats around Ireland.

He then worked in a number of fishmongers, building his experience and knowledge.

He also attended the BIM seafood filleting course which further added to his skills.

Scott’s claim to fame is that he can be seen filleting in the Dunnes Stores’ TV advert.

Renee and her partner, James Kirwan established East Cost Seafood in Naas in 2009.

In June 2016, they opened a second shop in Malahide. Originally from the fishing port of Clogherhead, Renee’s father and grandfather were trawlermen, so fishing runs in her blood.

Eight fishmongers from around the country will now compete for various coveted titles that will be presented at BIM’s Seafood Retail Awards on November 16 in the Wineport Lodge, Glasson, Athlone.

For the first time in the competition, there are a record number of female finalists.

Jim O’Toole, BIM’s Chief Executive, said: “We need to celebrate the skills of our seafood industry and this competition is designed to reward and recognise that talent.

“It also encourages new entrants to a market that has seen a marked rejuvenation in recent years.”