Butcher Shop of the Year ‘a shining example’ to others

By Maurice Garvey

FROM the moment he left school at 16, all Gavin Dowling wanted to do was be a butcher.

The Killinarden man learned his craft, and worked in Gleesons in The Square for 10 years, before the tragic passing of owner Jim Gleeson three years ago, led to the closure of the shop.

Dowling (37) wasn’t prepared to throw in the carving knife, and gambled on opening a store in the Swan Centre in Rathmines 18 months ago.

The gamble paid off, as Dowlings Butchers won Butcher Shop of the Year at the annual Butchery Excellence Ireland awards in Tyrone on November 26.

“The award is a great acknowledgement of the superior standards that we aim to deliver to our customers,” said Gavin.

“They send out mystery shoppers and test your knowledge – you can’t really get any higher award. I left school at 16, but all I wanted to do was be a butcher. I love it and love meeting people everyday.

“I took a risk with the new shop in Rathmines, but they have upgraded the centre recently and more shops are opening in the New Year, which is increasing the foot traffic.”

The awards, organised by butchery members’ association, acknowledge traditional butchery skills with quality meat products that are second to none.

Chief Judge, Sean Owens said Dowlings was a “shining example of how a modern Irish butcher shop should operate.”

Rhonda Montgomery, CEO and founder of the Butchery Excellence Ireland, said: “Dowlings is a modern shop although holds a strong traditional style. There is a great butcher counter display and vast range of added-value products. The decor in the shop looks great, the product choice is outstanding and the staff is very friendly and helpful.”