Anne Stephens has become the first woman to win the Bord Iascaigh Mhara Young Fishmonger competition.
Ms Stephens, of the Fish Market in Maynooth, won the independent category, two years after her husband, George, took the title.
The couple also own two other retail outlets, in Blanchardstown and Mullingar.
Scott Smullen of Dunnes Stores, Cornelscourt, won the corporate category of the competition.
The judging for the annual Young Fishmonger competition includes mystery shopper visits and a practical skills test that puts all finalists under pressure to fillet and prepare a range of seafood to a high standard under time constraints.
“Now in its fifth year, the Bord Iascaigh Mhara Young Fishmonger competition has recognised and rewarded talented individuals across the independent and supermarket retail sector, and in doing so, has promoted the industry showcasing an exciting and dynamic sector that is capable of significant growth,” said Jim O’Toole, chief executive of Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Mr O’Toole said retail seafood sales were up 4 per cent this year to €245 million.
