JJ Gannon’s of Ballinrobe was named Ireland’s best wine focused pub at the Licensing World Bar Awards.
Chosen by an expert industry panel, JJ Gannon’s emerged victorious from hundreds of entries in the Licensing World Bar Awards to claim the Gilbey’s of Ireland Wine Award at a gala banquet in The Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin.
Jay Gannon along with this wife Nicky, proprietors of the JJ Gannon’s, accepted the award from Nigel Moran, of Gilbeys of Ireland.
JJ Gannon’s was highlighted for successfully incorporating wine into their traditional pub business with the addition of an exceptionally well stocked wine bar.
Commenting on the wine, Nigel Tynan, chairman of the Licensing World Bar Awards, said: “Jay and Nicky particularly impressed the judging panel through their commitment to excellent wine service, their meticulously sourcing wines in response to consumer demand, and their willingness to learn about wine.”
Over 280 members of the Irish pub business attended the social event that saw renowned publican Louis Fitzgerald presented with the title Licensing World Bar of the Year 2009 by Nigel Tynan, editor of Licensing World magazine and chairman of the bar awards.
JJ Gannon’s was also one of the finalists in the Bar Food Award, while Hiney’s of Crossmolina were finalists in the Faustino Local Bar Award.