Thursday, November 26, 2020

Legends of the Irish whiskey industry recognised at Chairman’s Awards ceremony

 Legends of the Irish whiskey industry to recognised at Chairman’s Awards ceremony this evening.

The beautiful distillery founded by the late Pearse Lyons


Six individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Irish whiskey industry will be recognised by Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey at their Chairman’s Awards which take place virtually this evening (26.11.20) at 6pm.

Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey is the representative association for the Irish whiskey industry. The Association’s Chairman’s Awards take place biennially and will be awarded this year by outgoing Chairman David Stapleton, founder of The Connacht Whiskey Company. The awards recognise the people, distilleries and industry partners that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Irish whiskey industry and category.

Commenting today, David Stapleton, Chairman of Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey, said: “I am honoured to present the Chairman’s Awards to such a talented and tenacious group of people who have contributed significantly to the revival of the Irish whiskey industry. The awardees represent the dynamism and ingenuity which is central to our industry.

“It is fitting that we will present posthumous awards to two people of tremendous quality who have left a remarkable legacy on the Irish whiskey industry. I am also delighted that this year marks the first time a woman will receive a Chairman’s Award, which is reflective of the growing number of women working in the industry.



Powerscourt Distillery, helmed by Noel Sweeney.






















The Chairman’s Awards 2020 awardees are:

Billy Leighton, Master Blender, Irish Distillers: As Chief Blender to the largest producer of Irish whiskey, Billy has been at the very heart of the Irish whiskey revival and renaissance. Billy has played a pivotal role in delivering great and complex Irish whiskeys, including one he is most synonymous with: Redbreast.
Helen Mulholland, Master Blender, Old Bushmills Distillery: Helen began her journey to the role of Master Blender, crafting the Bushmills blends and the renowned 10, 16 and 21-year-old triple-distilled single malts. Helen has blazed a trail for women in the industry. She is the first woman to receive a Chairman’s Award and has inspired many women in the industry in distilling, scientific and technical roles.
Noel Sweeney, Master Distiller, Powerscourt Distillery: Noel started his career as quality control manager at Cooley Distillery in 1989. He rose through the ranks to become master distiller and blender of both Cooley and Kilbeggan Distilleries. He played a leading role in the establishment of Drinks Ireland|Irish Whiskey. In 2017 Noel was inducted to the World Whiskey Hall of Fame, and in the same year he joined Powerscourt Distillery leading the development of what has become one of the most impressive new distilling operations in the industry.
David Hynes, Director, Great Northern Distillery: David who is a co-founder of the Cooley Distillery, went on to co-found the Great Northern Distillery at the old Harp Brewery in Dundalk. It has grown to become a major player in Irish whiskey supplying great Irish whiskey to brand, bonders and bottlers across the industry. David has also lent his technical expertise to support the design, development and commissioning of a whole range of new Irish whiskey distilleries.



In addition, two posthumous awards will be awarded to:


Dr Pearse Lyons, Founder of Pearse Lyons Distillery: The legacy of Pearse Lyons and his contribution to Irish whiskey is vast. In 2017, the Pearse Lyons Distillery was opened in the beautifully renovated St. James Church in Dublin’s Liberties, adorned with its now famous glass spire. Having experienced the joyous opening of his distillery, Pearse Lyons passed in 2018. The award will be accepted by the Lyons family.
Oliver Hughes, Founder of Dingle Distillery: Oliver and colleagues made a decision that was to be a pivotal first in the Irish whiskey renaissance in 2012, establishing a distillery in a redundant sawmill in Co. Kerry. Sadly, Oliver passed in 2016 aged only 55. The award will be accepted by the Hughes family.

David Stapleton added: “I would like to congratulate all of the awardees and thank them for the sustained and positive contribution they have made to our industry. 2020 has been a tough year for everyone – including the Irish whiskey industry. However, the industry has proven itself to be resilient in the past – and will do so again. After decades of decline in the 20th Century, we have experienced a remarkable recovery. I am confident we will bounce back and see Irish whiskey distilleries across the country grow from strength to strength in 2021.”



TRIGON HOTELS LOOKS FORWARD TO REOPENING THEIR DOORS WITH NEW INITIATIVES

Press release

TRIGON HOTELS LOOKS FORWARD

TO REOPENING THEIR DOORS WITH NEW INITIATIVES

Hotel group launched their Gift Card in perfect time for the festive season 

 For the first 50 vouchers purchased to a value of €150 – they will get a free night's stay in any of Trigon hotels

A Big Welcome to Trigon Hotels from Aaron Mansworth (MD)

 

Trigon Hotels, which includes the Metropole Hotel, Cork International Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel is busy preparing to welcome guests once again. Provided some restrictions are lifted Trigon Hotels are excited about reopening their doors. The hotel group has launched a number of initiatives such as a Gift Card for the first time ever and also a Family Date Night package. They also have a Festive Afternoon Tea and an outdoor cafe with lots of festive treats. 

Trigon Hotels have just launched their Gift Card, a first for the hotel in perfect time for the festive season ahead. They are encouraging people to ‘shop local’, saying it has never been more important. With Trigon, as well as supporting local employment people are also supporting Trigon’s local suppliers including their food suppliers, beverage suppliers, printers and so much more. For the first 50 vouchers purchased to a value of €150 – they will get a free night's stay in any of Trigon’s hotels.

Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth said: “There is no denying that 2020 has been the most challenging year in our history. It was the year that the world was put on pause at a global level and as a result, we have all had to miss out on moments with our loved ones, families and friends. Some of these moments were perhaps smaller and can be recaptured but some of those events hold much more significance in a lifetime and have passed and quite simply cannot be replayed or replaced.


“In the hospitality industry, particularly at Trigon Hotels, we have really missed our people. We have missed the teams that work so hard in the various departments and we have especially missed welcoming our guests through the doors of the hotels.

“In the hospitality industry, we are privileged to look after all types of events from those that are cheerful right through to helping families in remembering their loved ones on their final celebration in life. Looking after people is what hoteliers cherish and it is the whole meaning behind what we do every single day. They are an integral part of creating memories for guests and with Trigon Hotels, many of our guests are returning guests who become part of the fabric of the hotel which makes it feel like a home.”

This year, more so than ever before, Trigon Hotels are excited to see their doors reopen in December hopefully. The Cork International Hotel is looking forward to families coming to the hotel to enjoy “Family Date Night” with the private cinema, the delicious and incredibly popular Sunday lunch offering and the overnight guests who come to enjoy the stunning hotel facilities and all that Cork has to offer with the wonderful overnight collaboration packages that they have available.

The Metropole Hotel in Corks Victorian Quarter is hopeful of a busy and bustling Christmas in Corks City Centre. They are currently putting the finishing touches to their festive afternoon tea which is available for delivery, takeaway or dine in. Equally so, the “Bottomless Brunch” will be in full swing at the weekends in December and there is also a takeaway brunch option. The Metropole are currently operating “The Met Café” which is an external takeaway café outside the hotel which is currently delighting customers with Nutella crepes, boozy Baileys hot chocolate, festive mulled wine and sweet treats. The Metropole are looking forward to opening their brand new Gift Card store adjacent to the hotel on McCurtain Street.

As well as purchasing a gift card to a monetary value, there are also a variety of experiences for sale. There are some wonderful food and beverage vouchers such as “Afternoon Tea for Two” at the Metropole for €50, bottomless brunch for two at The Met for €64, dinner for two at the New Yorker at the Cork International Hotel for €60 or dinner for two at the Cork International with a private cinema for €75.

There are also some truly wonderful overnight offers that can be gifted as an experience, including a “Family Date Night” at the Cork International Hotel which includes a 2-course dinner for 2 adults and 2 children, a private cinema to watch a movie, an overnight stay at the hotel and breakfast the following morning for just €159. The Metropole Hotel in the city centre have a great overnight package which includes dinner for €179.

Gift vouchers can be purchased on site at either the Cork International Hotel or the Metropole Hotel or online at https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/ or https://www.themetropolehotel.ie/gift-vouchers/

 



A walk on the sunny side. Mayfield - Dillon's Cross - Collins Barracks - Bell's Field - Patrick's Hill - Wellington Rd - St Luke's - Middle Glanmire Road - Mayfield

Cork City walk on the sunny side

Yesterday (Wednesday 25/11/2020), while our new ESB meter was being installed - one of a million around the country I'm told - I walked from Mayfield, past the Cotton Ball, down through Dillon's Cross, all the while on the Old Youghal Rd, past Collin's Barracks, down to a place called Bells Field (with views over the northside), then down through Patrick's Hill, before turning left and walking along Wellington Road to St Luke's and its toll booth, then up the Middle Glanmire Rd, past the Montenotte and Cope and back to Mayfield and a sunny Springfield Estate.

My local brewery!

Hot Chicken tonight, Old Youghal Road


Approaching Dillon's Cross, with Mt Brosna on the heights to the west


Looking down Military Hill (from the old gate of army barracks). The Cameo Cinema (where the Cork
Film Festival once found temporary refuge) once stood on the corner to the left.


This ventilation shaft (from the railway tunnel) is in Bellevue, near Collins Barracks.



The modern entrance to Collins Barracks

Looking down to the west on Old Youghal Rd
from Collins Barracks.

Still on Old Youghal Rd,
approaching Bell's Field

North Cathedral, with church in Gurranabraher on the hill

North Cathedral, Shandon and, in the distance, the County Hall, from Bell's Field

Shandon tower.
Shandon



The Maldron Hotel



Shandon, County Hall (distant) and Maldron

The circular Firkin Crane, also from Bell's Field

The Maldron, with North Main St car park behind

More pints! Murphy's Brewery, also the home of Beamish and Heineken

North Cathedral from Old Youghal Road
View from Bell's Field

The North Mon, old and new, from Bell's Field
St Finn Barr's

St Francis



Patrick Street, from Patrick's Hill

Patrick Street, from Patrick's Hill

Patrick Street, from Patrick's Hill

Patrick Street, from Patrick's Hill

Patrick Street, from Patrick's Hill

Patrick Street, from Patrick's Hill

Patrick's Hill

A new hotel taking shape at bottom of York St

This old Thompson's bakery stack
now stands over a restaurant of
the same name.
Scoil Mhuire, Wellington Rd





Wellington Rd

Wellington Rd





O'Keeffe's, St Lukes. Terrific food shop

St Luke's

Henchy's, St Luke's

Accomodation, near St Luke's

New housing, with a view, behind the Arbutus


Henchy's, St Luke's

Toll Booth, St Luke's


The former Marymount buildings


Work continues in the former Michelin starred Arbutus



St Luke's

Hotel Montenotte





Gate lodge on Middle Glanmire Road (Mayfield end)

Tracton Park at Mayfield end of Middle Glanmire Road, dates from c. 1970



Ennismore folk can't go to the seaside due to Covid restrictions but the gulls come to visit!



Mayfield's Church of Our Lady Crowned

Cope Foundation

The Cotton Ball pub (1874)


Home, sweet home, after that longish walk!

Added 28.11.2020 (not a sunny day!)

Near Dillon's Cross


The National Tavern at Dillon's Cross,
converted to accommodation.
The post-Covid future for some Irish pubs?


Another of the four original ventilation shafts on the Cork railway tunnel.
This is in the Glen, close to St Brendan's Church (spire in background).