Frank O'Connell
Working in: Arabica Coffee Co, Shannon Street, Limerick www.facebook.com/arabicalimerick
Favourite coffee is a short americano - love the strong taste. Some times I make myself a Dark choc mint mocha. Quiet sweet but lovely now and again. Tastes just like an aero bar!I entered the competition to gain more experience in the art of espresso making. Last year was my first year entering and I learned far more than i could ever have expected. This has had a direct positive impact on my business, with coffee sales now almost twice what they were before I entered last year! I entered again this year to gain more valuable experience, but also because I enjoyed it so much. The Barista community are great people who are always up for a laugh. Enjoying the job you do is very important to me. Getting the chance to meet similar minded people is just fantastic.
The actual competing part can be a bit daunting, but last year I really enjoyed watching the other competitors do their stuff. It's great to see how you could do things differently, and even if I only see one thing which I could improve on, it will have been worthwhile.
Although working in Limerick I'm originally from Co.Kerry. So like most Kerry people, when we go to Dublin to compete we're only happy with a win! I'm going to Dublin to bring home the "Sam Maguire" of coffee making!
