Gerry Hughes
Gerry has worked in the coffee industry in both Ireland and the UK for the past 20 years (18 with Java Republic). An in-depth understanding of business and a wealth of coffee knowledge has solidified Gerry as one of the best in his field. Being an Authorised trainer (AST) for the SCA has been a pleasure for him, while also acquiring a Diploma in the coffee business. “Being involved as a judge with the Irish in Barista and Latte Art Competitions, as well as facilitating the Irish Barista and Latte Art semi-finals has been a highlight in my career”.
Milena Bardyn
“Coffee has been in my life from an early age. I am very lucky to work with a product that I like and is my passion.” Milena is originally from Poland. She has been working as a trainer in Java Republic for over three years, but she started her adventure with the professional world of coffee 13 years ago. Milena is an authorised SCA trainer in the Barista Skills module. She was a judge at Irish Brewers, Polish Barista and Coffee in Good Spirits Championships. Her highlight has been going on a coffee origin trip to Colombia in 2022.
Maya Rozwadowska
Since 2017, Maya has been immersing herself entirely in the world of coffee, excelling as a barista team leader whilst also sharing her expertise through mentoring and training others in the industry. Her passion continually drives her to innovate and her goal is “to spread happiness through beautifully crafted coffee”. Beyond her professional achievements, Maya’s involvement in national championships, along with her warm and sociable nature, have made her a beloved figure in the coffee community.
Aisling Alexander
Aisling Alexander has been enjoying the art of coffee for over 10 years, and loves the fact that there is always something new to learn. Based in Galway, Aisling is part of our team in the west of Ireland, working with customers from Limerick all the way up to Donegal. What Aisling loves about the coffee industry is how diverse it is, and has a particular interest in learning about coffee farms as well as sustainability within the industry. Most of all however “my passion is coffee training…showing people new ways to enjoy the art of coffee and seeing the passion grow in them. Working along the Wild Atlantic Way is also a bonus!”.
John Keane
John has extensive experience in Food & Beverage, having worked in this industry since 2010. In 2018 he moved exclusively into coffee and joined Java Republic South West in 2023. Like Manu, John is part of the Cork-based team, working closely with customers in Cork, Kerry and Limerick. For John, the most rewarding part of his work is “the personal interactions he has with customers when it comes to helping and supporting them”. Helping in the development of new business within the South West region is also something he really enjoys and is passionate about forging close relationships with new customers.
Manu Fonteneles
Another member of our South West team, Manu has worked in the hospitality industry for over 6 years, and exclusively with coffee for over 2 years. Originally from Brazil, Manu has always has a passion for coffee. From the moment she began her journey into the industry, she quickly fell in love, not just with drinking coffee, but with making others happy through it. “What I love about coffee and the industry is the ability to make people happy through a cup of coffee and the constant opportunities to learn and improve. There is always something new to discover”.
SCA Courses
At Java Republic, education is at the heart of everything we do. We know that providing a world-class training programme helps ensure that every cup of coffee is served right.
We offer a range of Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCA) accredited courses, including a pathway to their prestigious Coffee Diploma. This means our training is measured against the highest possible industry standards for coffee education.
Our SCA Authorised Trainers (AST) deliver a range of courses to suit everyone. We can help staff approaching the coffee machine for the first time, or more experienced baristas looking to further their skill base. We can even help head baristas take their career to the recognised professional standards.
Premier Training Campus
Our on-site training facility is one of the best equipped you will ever see. Aside from a training campus, we also use this facility as our tasting room, where our Quality Team ensures that each and every blend of Java Republic coffee meets the exact and high standards.
We have proudly been awarded the title of Premier Training Campus by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). We are delighted to be the first Irish roasting company to receive this certification.
The SCA promotes excellence in quality coffee and only awards Premier Training Campus status to facilities that consistently meet all requirements set out by the programme and demonstrate a calibrated teaching environment to teach within specified standards.
