Irish Guild of Sommeliers – Ireland

Presentation of Sommelier Certificates

On the 7^th March, 2011, 30 Sommeliers graduated and were presented with their Sommelier Certificates by Mary O’ Callaghan, President, The Irish Guild of Sommeliers, at a function in The Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

This course is a new initiative sponsored by the Irish Guild of Sommeliers and the Restaurants Association of Ireland. During their course of study students from all over Ireland were introduced to the practical and theoretical aspects of the study of wines, whiskies and cocktails. The course included the marriage of food and wine incorporating the elements of service, storage and tasting.

Mary O’Callaghan paid tribute to the Restaurants Association of Ireland for their wholehearted commitment to this important course. At the presentation she said “The presentation of these awards is very significant because it demonstrates that the students have achieved the high standards which we have set and that their performance has been checked and confirmed by academics and expert practitioners from within the industry. We can therefore take pride in the occasion and in their achievements.

It is also an occasion which allows us to recognise and show appreciation for the support of the wider trade community represented by the Restaurants Association of Ireland and our supporting wine suppliers.* The Irish Guild of Sommeliers is at the centre of a national drive for higher levels of education and skills in wine education and it is delighted with this co-operative initiative with the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

I hope that all our sommeliers who have graduated here today will recognise their important role in the Irish hospitality sector especially in these challenging times.

This is a very important initiative and I hope that we can continue to build on and develop our relationship with the Restaurants Association of Ireland to improve service standards in the wine area.”.

Ivana Hrvskova, Westin Hotel, Westmoreland Street, Dublin,2, 1^st place in the overall examination and recipient of the Restaurants Association of Ireland prize.

Bláithín McCabe, McNean House and Restaurant, Blacklion, Co. Cavan, best taster on the course and recipient of the President of The Irish Guild of Sommeliers gold medal.

www.irishguildofsommeliers.ie

*Searsons

Febvre

Gleesons  incorporating Gilbeys

Dalcassian Wines

Classic Drinks

Mitchells Wine Merchants

Edward Dillon and Co. Ltd.

MARY O’CALLAGHAN

0872731344