Two popular Kildare pubs receive regional Irish Pub Awards

Two Co Kildare pubs have received regional Irish Pub Awards 2017.

Some of the finest pubs in the East are celebrating after coming out on top at the Irish Pub Awards 2017 regional final, which took place in Judge Roy Beans in Newbridge.

Best Music Pub sponsored by IMRO went to Cunningham’s Public House, Kildare Town.

And Pub Personality of the Year sponsored by Irish Distillers, Pernod Ricard was given to Tom Joe Bradley, Clancy’s Bar, Athy.

(l-r) Pat Crotty, President, VFI, Tom Joe Bradley, Clancy’s Bar, Athy, Pub Personality of the Year winner, East region, John Cunningham, IDL Pernod- Ricard

The recipients will now go forward to the National Awards Ceremony on 8th November.

The other winners in the Eastern Region are:

Innovative Pub of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland Payment Acceptance: The Central, Navan

Best Tourist Pub sponsored by Molson Coors: The Glenmalurelodge, Glenmalure, Co Wicklow

Best Outdoor Space sponsored by Bulmers: The Terrace at Dinn Rí, Carlow

Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Heineken: The Bog Road, Portlaoise

Best Local Pub sponsored by Diageo: Dan and Molly’s Pub, Ballyboy, Co Offaly

Best Food Pub sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace: Mickey Finn’s Pub, Red Cross, Co Wicklow

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

A series of seven regional events are taking place around the country between 18th September and 4th October to announce 56 finalists through all categories.

The objective of the Awards programme is to recognise and reward excellence and innovation across various categories in the Irish Pub Industry.

Entries closed on 30th June and judging took place during July and August. The awards were presented by President of VFI, Pat Crotty and the category sponsors.

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, President of VFI, Pat Crotty expressed his delight in how well the Awards are going. “Entries for the inaugural event surpassed expectations all around Ireland and the judges had a difficult decision to make to reach this final list”.

“The pub is a central part of our hospitality and tourism sectors as well as being a meeting place for locals. It is a major contributor to growth in our regional economies, so these awards will be an important vehicle to showcase the diversity that is available in the modern Irish pub and recognise the creativity and innovation that is already there”, he added.

The National Irish Pub Awards are open to all members of VFI and LVA. The 56 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their area and will win a prize package of management training to help them progress their business further.

The Gala Awards Ceremony takes place in RDS Concert Hall, Dublin 4 on Wednesday 8th November next.

The overall category winners will also be featured by trade media partner Drinks Industry Ireland.