Ireland’s top young chef’s compete at MTU
Ireland’s most promising young cooks went head-to-head at MTU Cork campus for the second annual Post-Primary School Cookery Competition Taste of Home recently with a Cork student picking up one of the prizes.
Hosted by the Department of Tourism & Hospitality at MTU, in partnership with Blas na hÉireann, the competition brought together 16 of the country’s most talented student cooks for a culinary showcase focused on skill, sustainability and Irish produce. The judging panel featured award-winning pastry chef Shane Smith, a regular contributor to RTÉ One’s ‘The Today Show', alongside Cork chef Kate Lawlor, former head chef and owner of Fenn’s Quay and now leading the culinary offering at K O’Connell’s Fishmongers in Dunnes Stores, Patrick Street.
Finalists representing post-primary schools nationwide were tasked with preparing either a main course or dessert for two people within 1 hour and 45 minutes, using a minimum of three locally produced or Irish ingredients. Eight students competed in the junior category and eight in the senior category, transforming MTU’s training kitchens into a live professional competition environment.
The winners of the day were:
Junior Category Gold Winner: Maggie Cunnane (3rd year), St Paul's Secondary School, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare
Junior Category Silver Winner: Ciara O’Connor (3rd year), Méan Scoil Nua An Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry
Senior Category Gold Winner: Meadbh Hartnett (5th year), Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Senior Category Silver Winner: Caoimhlin Duggan (TY student), St Brogan's College, Bandon
Each winner was awarded prizes of culinary equipment, books, and a trophy in memory of Margaret Keady. Their teachers were also recognised with prizes.
Dr Donagh Davern, Acting Head of Tourism and Hospitality Department, MTU said: “This competition not only showcases the incredible skills of young Irish cooks but also highlights the importance of using local ingredients to create sustainable, flavourful dishes. We are proud to support the next generation of culinary talent and look forward to growing this event in the years to come.”
Artie Clifford, Chairperson, Blas na hÉireann added: “This award means a great deal to me and my family. My mother, Margaret Keady, dedicated her life to encouraging home cooks to take pride in their skills, and it’s inspiring to see students carry that same spirit forward with such talent and respect for Irish ingredients.
“To be able to support this competition with our work at Blas na hÉireann is an honour. Our work every day celebrates the very best of Irish food & drinks made by people who are passionate about bringing something great to the table. It has been so wonderful to see so many producers showcased in the menus of these students.”
The event successfully celebrated Ireland’s vibrant food culture, fostering an appreciation for sustainable cooking and culinary innovation among young cooks.
The competition will be an annual event for MTU inspiring even more students to explore the art of cooking with Irish ingredients.