IRVINESTOWN butcher Stephen Millar has been chosen as a final six ‘Team Ireland’ member for the World Butchers’ Challenge next year.

The World Butchers’ Challenge, which will take place next March in Belfast, will see Team Ireland compete against the top 14 countries from around the globe.

A spokesperson for Team Ireland Headquarters – Butchery Excellence International (Ireland), said: “After our intensive and rigorous Irish Butchery Selection Programme, we are delighted with the commitment and endeavour of our chosen Irish Team. 

“We recognise the continued commitment of all involved in Ireland’s pursuit for victory at the World Butchers' Challenge and would like to thank the butchers of Ireland who have helped us so far with Team Selection. 

“The Irish butchers selected have worked extremely hard for the honour of representing Ireland in the greatest retail, butchery, skills event on the globe, World Butchers’ Challenge. 

“They have shown many skills, personal attributes and teamwork that will help Ireland take their rightful place among the great butcher nations of the world.

“Now the harder work begins in our pursuit of excellence.”

Looking ahead to next year’s event, Rhonda Montgomery, Chief Executive of Butchery Excellence International and WBC Co-ordinator said: “To have local butcher Stephen Millar on Team Ireland is a fantastic boost to our team’s skill set. 

“Stephen is an integral part of the team and plays an important role in the team dynamic for the world’s greatest butchery event. 

“Stephen is an excellent butcher and brings a wealth of knowledge to the butcher's table.

“He will make a major difference and we look forward to Stephen taking his rightful place among the best butchers in the world.”

The owner of Millar Meats in Irvinestown, Stephen said he is looking forward to fulfilling his role as a member of Team Ireland in Belfast next March.

“Now is the time for us to push on to victory and to put in the hard graft required to win this unbelievable event. 

“I look forward to the next few months when we get stuck in to the detail of the training and wish all other teams coming here to compete, the very best of luck. 

“I would also like to thank all the team at Millar Meats, together with our great customer base for supporting me in my endeavours.”