A legend of the NHC retires

[Leann ull]

Today welcomes in the New NHC Committee and the parting from one of the primary drivers of the NHC Mr. Rossa O' Neill.

Rossa, an accomplished medal winning brewer, was instrumental in pushing the NHC forward for the last 3 years and spent hundreds of man hours delivering 3 national competitions, the last 2 events across two competition centres, professional judging standards, talks, trade fairs, exhibitions, attending local meets, the list is endless.

He is one of the reasons that the standard of homebrewing in Ireland has dramatically increased and in a lot of cases exceeding commercial products.

Along with others he has helped the NHC now to have its own identity amongst the Craft Beer Industry and we are respected in our own right as a "can do organisation" with amazing volunteer spirit.

Rossa is now about to deliver his ultimate dream, a Homebrewing Conference, the first of its kind on the Island aimed at  brewers at all levels, where he has convinced some of the best producers and biggest names of Ingredients and beer on the planet to attend his conference in Dublin.  Please support it if you haven't done so already.

We got a quote recently from a leading Industry expert "I'm delighted to see the work continuing to go on to help people develop their knowledge in brewing.  With initiatives like this, I have to believe that National Home Brew Club are streets ahead of comparable organizations in other countries with much larger populations!"
       
Over the years Rossa set the bar very high for all those in support and his enthusiasm was contagious.
He was first in the queue when it came to the grunt work and sacrificed a huge amount of personal time for which we thank his wife allowing him "out to play".

However he is not alone and there are a core of 75 members and volunteers countrywide that all contribute in various guises.
Sometimes that isn't acknowledged so to all the behind the scenes staff and even just those full forum members who have paid a tenner, the club thanks you for helping in your own way in making the movement what it is.   

Mr O' Neill now please take a bow...

[molc]

Here here.

[brian_c]

Hear, hear.

[pob]

+1 Hear, hear

[DEMPSEY]

Here here too.

[Greg2013]

+1 Buiochas Rossa.

[Bubbles]

I'm stoked to see such a glowing testimonial for Rossa as he departs from the committee. I don't think I'd be overstating matters to say that he's probably done more than any other individual to advance the home brewing hobby in this country. Rossa's affable nature and his generosity with his time and knowledge has rightly earned him huge respect in the home brewing community in Ireland. I've personally learned a great deal from him. I've also been very fortunate to taste the man's beers over the last couple of years, and as most people know, they are spectacular!

Little anecdote from last night's South Dublin meet - We were discussing a particular aspect of brewing technique and someone remarked "I think Rossa does it like that...". To which I joked, "Ah sure, what the fook does he know..?", to a huge gust of laughter. A sure sign of the esteem in which this man (and his fantastic beers) are held.

Rossa, thank you, from everyone in the NHC.

[Garry]

Three cheers for Rossa 

Hip hip...

[johnrm]

Good man Rossa, great job!
In true CH style, completely off topic as we are welcoming in the new committee...
Tom Carroll - President
James Keane - Secretary
Brian Dempsey - Treasurer

The very best of luck to the new team!

[Rossa]

Thanks for all the kind words. I've enjoyed my time with the NHC. It's being great getting to know so many brewers along the way and I've been happy to help.

The journey up to now has been a huge team effort. The generosity of homebrewers is incredible and I'd like to thank everyone who has got us to this point.

I look forward to sitting back and watching the club grow...once Brewcon 2015 is over...

Best of luck to Thomas and the new committee.