Nevin’s Newfield Inn through to Irish Pub Awards national final

SOME of the finest pubs in Connaught are celebrating following their success at the 2018 Irish Pub Awards regional finals, which have taken place in Maxwell’s Pub, Main Street, Claremorris.

All nine winners go forward to the final of the National Pub Awards at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin, on November 21, when the national category winners and the overall Irish Pub of the Year will be announced.

The winners in the Connaught region included Nevin's Newfield Inn, Mulranny, with the Pub Personality of the Year Award (sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard) going to proprietors John and Ann Nevin.

Just across the Mayo border, Gilroy's Pub on Main Street, Enniscrone, was named Best Local Pub (sponsored by Diageo).

The Irish Pub Awards are jointly presented by the Vintners Association of Ireland (VFI) and the Licenced Vintners Association of Ireland (LVA).

Speaking at the Connaught awards ceremony, VFI president Padraic McCann expressed his delight in how well the competition is going. “Entries for this year have grown well ahead of last year,” he outlined. “Judging took place over the summer months and tonight we are announcing our regional winners who will go forward to represent Connaught in the national final.”

Mr. McCann said the awards were developed as part of a strategy to raise the profile of VFI member pubs around the country.

“The Irish pub is at the heart of every town and village, and it is where locals gather to meet friends and neighbours for good food and craic,” he explained. “It is where tourists meet locals and enjoy Irish hospitality at its best. Irish pubs are also a major provider of employment in our regions. These awards are an excellent vehicle to showcase what the pub has to offer the modern customer.”

The prize package for all finalists will include a management training course to help them progress their business further.