MARK Cooney, from well known Limerick cocktail hotspot Sister Social, has been named Diageo Reserve’s World Class Bartender of the Year.
Mark will represent Ireland at the World Class Bartender of the Year Global Finals in Sydney in September where he will demonstrate his innovative approach to cocktail creation on the world stage, competing with more than 54 bartenders from around the world.
“The World Class competition is a true test of skill and passion, and really encourages the cocktail culture across the globe. It helps to shine a positive light on the creativity and skill involved in cocktail creation and this year’s challenge involving food pairing was fantastic. I’m so happy with the result given the calibre of my competitors.
I’m honoured to be flying the flag for bartenders across the country when I represent Ireland on the global World Class stage in Sydney in September,” he added.
Diageo Ireland Head of Marketing Sorcha Ní Chléirigh said the World Class programme fosters innovation and creativity, with our challengers’ creations becoming more impressive year after year.
Mark Cooney, this year’s Irish champion, did not disappoint, crafting serves that continued to excite the judging panel as the evening progressed. We are so proud of Mark, a worthy winner who will thrive as a World Class ambassador in the coming year.”
