Meet Ciarán Shannon otherwise known as @Captain.Ciaran, who is from Ballymena, Northern Ireland. He is our Brand Development Manager, spending most of his time out on the road building the Boatyard brand through trainings, events and selling the good stuff. He is even fond of taking the odd boat out onto Lough Erne.
Ciarán’s career in the drinks business started by working in a local hotel in Ballymena. From here this then saw a move to Belfast to study Marketing and to help pay for these studies he gained a job in a busy student bar. This role led to Ciarán along with three friends setting up their own cocktail events bar company, resulting in a closer working relationship with various spirit brands. In particular Anzac Wines & Spirits, who then offered an opportunity, that led to Ciarán becoming their Belfast City representative for 2 years, building their portfolio. It is during this period where he forged some great relationships within the industry, which now benefits Boatyard in its all-important home market.
During an excellent first year with Boatyard, Ciarán’s hard work was recognised by peers when shortlisted as Brand Representative of the year at the 2019 Irish Craft Cocktail Awards. He very proudly was awarded joint third, rubbing shoulders with industry legends, many of which work for global companies that dwarf the size of Boatyard, for now anyway.
When it comes to enjoying his favourite spirit, Ciaran is very fond of a Martinez cocktail. Made using Boatyard Old Tom Gin this cocktail is one of the worlds most aged recipes.
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