Munster man wins best bartender accolade
Munster finally secured some silverware this year as Limerick man Dominic O’Connor was named Ireland’s best bartender.
The former chef, who swapped the kitchen for serving at the counter eight years ago, beat off competition from 3,000 other bar workers north and south of the border.
Mr O’Connor said it was a massive achievement to bring the silver trophy back to the Woodfield House Hotel in the Treaty County.
“I’m representing Munster so this is Munster’s cup and I’m sure they will all be there wearing their red shirts tonight at the party,” he said.
“I walked out of the kitchen eight years ago and just wanted to see what it was like on the other side. It’s more in my nature to be dealing with the customers at the counter.”
Mr O’Connor, who was nominated by one of the regulars at the hotel, said it was unbelievable that he had beaten competition from more than 350 other pubs around Limerick.
The coveted title and a cheque for €3,000 was presented at a special ceremony at the Guinness storehouse in Dublin.
Mr O’Connor beat finalists Kieran Cassidy, from the Hatfield House in Belfast, Speedy Eamonn Cummins, Loughree Inn, Athlone and Brendan Murphy, from Terry’s Bar in Monaghan to win the cup.
The three runners up each received a cheque for €500.
