DCU Student to represent Ireland at World Cocktail Bartending Championships

Roibeard O'Mhurcu, creator of the "Jackie Robinson"

DCU student Roibeard O'Mhurcu is set to represent Ireland at the 42 Below World Cocktail Championships in New Zealand this September. Roibeard, who is currently taking the MSc. Multimedia programme, won his place on the three-man national team at the Irish National Championships on the 23rd of June this year with his unique cocktail creation, the "Jackie Robinson." Mature student Roibeard, who won the Board of Irish College Societies National Individual of the Year in 2007, has worked as a cocktail bartender since 2000, but this was his first competition.

"I'm honoured and delighted to be given the opportunity to represent Ireland in an international competition," Roibeard said. "I never expected to get to the final round, never mind getting on the national team; it's still sinking in that my part-time job has just won me a free trip to New Zealand!"

Roibeard's cocktail includes exotic ingredients such as mango, sweet basil, ginger and wasabi paste as well as 42 Below vodka, the competition's sponsor. He named it after Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to cross the "colour line" and play professional Major League Baseball. He wore the number 42 for the duration of his career.

The 42 Below World Championships take place from the 9th to the 13th of September 2008.