MEET THE TEAM
Niamh Seoighe
Our General Manager Niamh Seoighe has been part of the Loch Measc Distillery team since 2019. After starting out in administration, Niamh began leading tours and learned gin production. After a stint away for maternity leave, Niamh returned in June of 2023 to take on the role of General Manager. “I have probably touched on every job in the distillery so far,” says Niamh. “Tours, production, distilling, and delivery. You name it, I’ve done it. Progressing to the role of General Manager is a challenge I welcome as I have great interest in the business and seeing it flourish in the years to come.”
Niamh, a Gaeilgeoir, is local to the Tourmakeady and Joyce Country area, having grown up on the shores of Loch Na Fooey and the hills of Tourmakeady. She farms hill sheep and Connemara ponies and has a big grá for the local history, heritage and community. “When people come to the distillery it’s nice to give them an insight into the history and heritage of the area we are so lucky to live in. The scenery alone is spectacular,” says Niamh.
Having studied in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and GMIT Galway, to earn her Business degree, Niamh worked in hospitality for many years before joining the Loch Measc team.
“I was curious to get involved with the distillery as a new small business in the area, and of course I enjoyed the gin when it was released. Straight away I knew there was something special about this place.” Niamh and the team are busy preparing for the launch of whiskey in 2025 and co-ordinating everything that comes with it. “It’s exciting times in the Drioglann.” With new equipment being installed, Open Days to plan for, as well as the launch of our whiskey, it’s full steam ahead for Niamh and the team at the distillery.
Haruki Sakima
Haruki is currently studying for his Master’s Degree in the Science of Fermentation and Traditional Japanese Spirits (Shochu) in the University of Kagoshima, Japan.
This is where he learned all about the art of fermentation and Japanese traditional spirits.
Haruki has a massive passion for distilling and brewing, as well as a love for all the different spirits found worldwide. His particular love for Irish Whiskey is what led him to Lough Mask Distillery in the wilds of the west of Ireland, a long way from home.
With him, Haruki has brought a wealth of knowledge about fermentation and, at the same time, he has been learning all about the art, craft, and skill of distilling Irish Single Malt Whiskey from our head distiller Andrew Burke Hasting.
Haruki and the Japanese Ambassador to Ireland, Norio Maruyama
While here, Haruki also had the opportunity to meet the Japanese Ambassador Norio Maruyama at the Kaiden Art Exhibition. It was also a great way for us to introduce the ambassador to our distillery as we plan for the future at home and abroad.
Haruki returns to Japan in March 2025 to graduate from university, and his plan is to establish his own distillery and create his own brand of whiskey. It’s a pleasure to have Haruki on board and share our love of whiskey and distilling.