Pat Curran Award 🏆🏆

In Summer 2021, Eskimo-3 in collaboration with Rude Health Magazine, the official magazine of the Irish association of Health Stores, launched the annual “Pat Curran Award for Excellence in Customer Service.”

We asked customers and readers to nominate an exceptional person working in an Independent Irish Health Store. The award is decided by national poll, voted by the readers of Rude Health Magazine, and this year there was a tie for first place. Rather than share the prize, we decided to double the prize fund and present the prize equally to both deserving retailers.

The Pat Curran Award for Excellence in Service 2021 will be presented jointly to Jill Bell, Well & Good, Midleton and Hannah Dare, Organico, Bantry. The annual award is presented by Michael Donnellan from PPC, brand holders for Eskimo-3, ZinCuflex and Zerochol in Ireland, in the memory of Olive’s late father Pat who was a much-loved figure in natural health throughout his life.

Jill Bell has been running Well & Good in County Cork since 1997. She is renowned for her depth of knowledge, generosity and empathy. Voter Claire wrote “Through the pandemic it’s been a go to for so many items that sustained us for the last year and a half”

Women’s Aid is a leading national organisation that has been working to stop domestic violence in Ireland since 1974.

Hannah Dare runs the iconic Organico with her sister Rachel in West Cork. Voter Saoirse said “an absolute gem in Bantry, a wealth of information, served with a friendly smile. They’ve been supporting the locals throughout the pandemic and working hard – they’re my favourite place to shop in town.”

Organico chose Arc Cork Cancer Support House as their charity to receive the €500 prize. Arc Cork House is a safe haven for people with cancer and their families, where you can find information, practical help and emotional support.

Olive from PPC said “when we heard that the poll was a tie between Jill and Hannah we were delighted. It was an easy decision for us to present a joint award for the first time. Both retailers are fantastic ambassadors for the sector, and we know they will be popular winners.

Congratulations to our overall consumer winner Rosemary Walshe, and runners up Brigitte Le Juez, Sandra Bealin and Marian Collins. Thank you to all the people who took time out to vote for their favourite store and for supporting their local stockists during this difficult time.”