Some of Connaught’s finest pubs are celebrating after coming out on top at the Irish Pub Awards 2017 regional final, which took place in Maxwell’s Bar, Claremorris, Co. Mayo last night (Tuesday, 26th September 2017). They will now go forward to the National Awards Ceremony on 8th November.
The winners in the Connaught Region are::
Innovative Pub of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland Payment Acceptance: An Púcán, Galway
Best Music Pub sponsored by IMRO: Lowry’s Irish Music and Whiskey Bar, Galway
Best Tourist Pub sponsored by Molson Coors: Lowry’s Irish Music and Whiskey Bar, Galway
Best Outdoor Space sponsored by Bulmers: An Púcán, Galway
Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Heineken: John Keogh’s, The Lough Keeper, Galway
Best Local Pub sponsored by Diageo: Mellett’s Emporium, Swinford, Co Mayo
Best Food Pub sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace: John Keogh’s, The Lough Keeper, Galway
Pub Personality of the Year sponsored by Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard: Roy Clancy, Powers Thatch Pub, Oughterard, Galway.
The Irish Pub Awards are jointly presented by Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Licenced Vintners Association (LVA). A series of seven regional events are taking place around the country between 18th September and 4th October to announce 56 finalists through all categories.
The objective of the Awards programme is to recognise and reward excellence and innovation across various categories in the Irish Pub Industry. Entries closed on 30th June and judging took place during July and August. The awards were presented by President of VFI, Pat Crotty and the category sponsors
Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, President of VFI, Pat Crotty expressed his delight in how well the Awards are going. “Entries for the inaugural event surpassed expectations all around Ireland and the judges had a difficult decision to make to reach this final list”.
“The pub is a central part of our hospitality and tourism sectors as well as being a meeting place for locals. It is a major contributor to growth in our regional economies, so these awards will be an important vehicle to showcase the diversity that is available in the modern Irish pub and recognise the creativity and innovation that is already there”, he added.
The National Irish Pub Awards are open to all members of VFI and LVA. The 56 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their area and will win a prize package of management training to help them progress their business further. They will also avail of comprehensive media coverage including a profile in the special awards supplement which will be published in the Irish Independent on the day of the Gala Awards Ceremony to take place in RDS Concert Hall, Dublin 4 on Wednesday 8th November next.The overall category winners will also be featured by trade media partner Drinks Industry Ireland.
For further information, please contact:
Brian Foley, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Vintners Federation of Ireland.
Tel: 01 492 3400 Mob: 086 2690281 email: brian@VFIpub.ie
Sue O’Neill, Co-Ordinator- Irish Pub Awards, Shellcove Limited
Tel: 045 894698 Mob: 087 9013311 email: sue@shellcove.ie
