O’GORMAN’S Butchers, Castledermot has been awarded the best rural craft butchers in Ireland for an impressive third time. The quality butchers received the honour at this year’s Craft Butchers Star Shop Awards, held at the retail and hospitality expo Food & Hospitality Ireland in Citywest Hotel.

“We’re delighted … it’s always great to get acknowledged, especially from your peers,” enthused James O’Gorman of O’Gorman Butchers.

“It’s the staff who win it for you because a big part of the competition is a visit from a mystery shopper in August and we never know when that will be or who that is. All the staff work towards that and have to be fully trained and familiar with various recipes and things,” James explained.

“This is a great boost for everyone and we’re delighted. This is our third year out of four to win the best rural craft butchers in Ireland and two years ago we won the overall award,” said James.

O’Gorman’s received their award at the gala Citywest event from minister of state Tom Hayes, who was joined by entrepreneur and businessman Bobby Kerr.

“O’Gorman Meats are no strangers to the Star Shop awards winning overall Best Craft Butcher Shop in Ireland in 2013,” said John Hickey, CEO of Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland. “Our independent judges mystery shop each of the butcher’s shops in the manner of the customer. This time around the judges were very impressed with everything from the choice of products for customers, to quality, service and the range of fresh meat produce that the shop stocks, all of which is sourced locally,” he added.

Nicella O’Gorman from O’Gorman Meats, Castledermot accepts the award for best rural craft butchers in Ireland at this year’s Craft Butchers Star Shop Awards from minister Tom Hayes and Seamus Etherson, President of the Association of Craft Butchers of Ireland