Talented Cork fishmonger reels in top prize as as one of only five Masters in Ireland
John Cleary picking up his well-deserved award(Image: BIM)'Master Fishmonger' is one of the highest titles that can be awarded to a fishmonger - and a seafood expert in Kinsale has just been granted the honour.John Cleary, manager and fishmonger at Keohane’s Seafood Shop in Kinsale has this week been certified as one of only five Master Fishmongers in Ireland. John earned the Master Fishmonger Standard, a top-tier UK certification that "recognises exceptional skill, knowledge, and commitment within the fishmonger trade."In order to win the title, John was required to demonstrate excellence across a rigorous set of competencies - including advanced knife skills, in-depth product knowledge, responsible sourcing, sustainability practices and outstanding customer service. John said it was an honour to reel in the award."I have more than a decade of hands-on seafood knowledge and a lifelong commitment to fresh food excellence. Achieving the Master Fishmonger Standard copper-fastens this. I joined the team at Keohane’s in 2012 and, thirteen years later, I have filleted countless species—some beautiful, some less so - and built strong relationships with fishermen across Ireland and Europe. I look forward to continuing to share my fish mongering skills with our valued customers."The four other fishmongers to earn the title of Master in Ireland are:Wrights of Howth (Daniel Hayes) in DublinGannet Fishmongers (Stefan Griesbach) in GalwayBilly Burke Seafood (Liam Burke) in WaterfordHal Dawson Fisheries Consultants (Hal Dawson) in ArmaghMeanwhile Alan Mitchell at Al’s Fish Shop in Portarlington achieved the rank of Advanced Fishmonger. The fishmongers were nominated through Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s (BIM’s) Seafood Academy, a dedicated national forum established in July 2025 to support and elevate independent fishmongers.BIM’s head of Business Intelligence, Paul Ward, who worked with the nominated fishmongers, said, “This is a landmark day for Ireland’s independent fishmongers, celebrating the expertise and dedication of local fishmongers and reinforcing the importance of high professional standards in delivering quality seafood to consumers.”“These professionals represent the very best of the industry - the skill, the passion, and the dedication required to deliver top-quality seafood to Irish consumers every day.” Mr Ward added that today’s recognition "signals a bright future for Ireland’s seafood retailers, setting a new benchmark of excellence and celebrating the people who keep Ireland’s coastal and culinary traditions thriving."Kinsale has long been a trendy seaside hub for incredible fish dishes. In October, legendary actress Miriam Margolyes dropped by to enjoy dinner at restaurant Fishy Fish, sharing a table with who she termed the "sexiest chef" in Ireland.
