Mayo native barber is a cut above the rest
By Tom Gillespie
TAUGHEEN, Claremorris, native Gary Devane is definitely a cut above the rest having been named as Men’s Hairstylist of the Year at the recent Irish Hair and Beauty Awards 2022.
He also bagged the title of Barber’s of the Year 2022.
Gary, who was educated at Taugheen National School and St. Colman’s College, Claremorris, started his barbering career at the age of 18 when he and a school pal decided to venture to Dublin to commence a City and Guilds course in hairdressing.
During this course Gary realised his passion was for gents hairdressing and he sought an apprenticeship in Dublin.
Having secured a position in some of the top barbers in Dublin, Gary's talents were quickly noticed and there he was able to gain a prominent position in Grafton Street where he gained experience and skills to further his career even more.
This saw Gary take to the stage and enter hairdressing competitions held by the Irish Hairdressing Federation where he won many awards.
Gary always believed that the key to success was through education, so he travelled overseas to attend barber workshops and barber shows to learn new skills but also to network and rub shoulders with those he had looked up to within the industry.
After seven years in Dublin working in top barber shops including The Waldorf Barbers, Sam's Barbers and The Grafton Barbers, Gary moved to Newbridge in Co. Kildare where he set up Portland Barbers in 2000.
He quickly got a reputation for being a highly skilled barber and business grew each day.
Gary now operates from Portland Barbers, Laois Shopping Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, where his shop has a strong team of eight staff and Gary also runs a hair loss clinic which is extremely successful.
Top industry professionals gathered on September 4 at the Crowne Plaza, Dublin Airport, for a glamorous night, put on to acknowledge the best hair and beauty specialists that Ireland has to offer.
The Irish Hair and Beauty Awards 2022 were an event dedicated to those who work hard to improve the appearance and make the industry look and feel on top of the world.
The awards showcased those who promote excellence, set the trends and excel in what they do.
The event also recognised the most distinguished, the most stylish and comfortable barbers and salons in Ireland, whose lovely atmosphere and talented teams make them stand out amongst the rest.
The star-studded evening was hosted by Andrea Hayes. She presented the winners as voted for by the public and congratulated them for being at the forefront of the industry.
A spokesperson for the Irish Hair and Beauty Awards 2022 said: "The winners reflect the creativity and talent that flows within the profession. These specialists inspire others when it comes to the big and competitive world of hair and beauty.
"The awards provided a platform to thank those that deliver high class services, making sure clients are left with the best of impressions.
"The winners lead the way in providing innovative treatments and are role models for the rest of the hair and beauty world.
"We would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their amazing achievements."
For further information on Portland Grooming, visit ww.portlandgrooming.ie.