Mahon's Hotel in Irvinestown beat off stiff competition to secure the title of Fermanagh Pub of the Year 2006.

The title was awarded by The Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade's (FRLT) at an event in the Europa Hotel, Belfast. There, Mahon's, was announced Fermanagh Pub of the Year, beating off stiff competition from The Horseshoe and Saddler, Enniskillen, who were also a contender for the coveted title.

On receiving the award on behalf of Mahon's, Joe Mahon commented: "I am delighted to have received this award which is a credit to the hard work and dedication of our staff and the loyalty of our customers. We pride ourselves on providing the public with outstanding service across the board".

Mahon's was chosen from a number of entries within Fermanagh, each having been visited by independent mystery shoppers, with the winners being chosen by a judging panel comprising of Nigel Tilson, Business Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, Adrienne McGill, Business Editor of the News Letter and Gary McDonald, Business Editor of the Irish News.

Congratulating Mr Mahon on the award, Nicola Carruthers, Chief Executive, Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade said: "These Awards recognise excellence in the management of the local pub trade and give recognition to outstanding publicans and their staff for the creativity and hard work they have put into their businesses over the past year.

"Whilst we recognise that everyone in the licensed trade is putting a great deal of effort into making pub visits an enjoyable experience, this is the Federation's opportunity to recognise the extra distance that the management and staff of some pubs have gone to make the customer experience something rather special.

"Mr Mahon and his staff should be very proud of their achievement", she added.