MTU Cork and Blas na hÉireann. Inaugural Post-Primary School Cooking Competition Winners

MTU Cork and Blas na hÉireann 

Inaugural Post-Primary School Cooking Competition Winners

Winners all, Left to right: Emily Nolan—Sr Silver Award, Mia Illsey—Jr Gold Award,
Poppy Kilpatrick—Sr Gold Award, Lara Rose Santos Byrne—Jr Silver Award.

Inaugural Post-Primary School Cookery Competition Showcases Ireland’s Best Young Culinary Talent

The Tourism & Hospitality Department at Munster Technological University (Cork Campus), in collaboration with Blas na hÉireann, proudly hosted the inaugural Post-Primary School Cookery Competition on Friday 28th February, bringing together Ireland’s most promising young cooks.

This new competition encouraged students to support local Irish producers while demonstrating their culinary creativity. Applicants were challenged to create either a main course or dessert that incorporated at least three local or Irish ingredients. Their dishes, designed to serve two people, had to be completed within 1 hour and 30 minutes, showcasing both skill and sustainability in the kitchen.

The competition saw 16 talented finalists competing across junior and senior categories, representing post-primary schools from across Ireland. Participants were encouraged to research and use locally produced ingredients such as vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, oats, and more, emphasising sustainability and support for local food producers.

Renowned chefs, Shane Smith and Kate Lawlor, formed the judging panel, evaluating each dish based on creativity, flavour, presentation, and effective use of local ingredients.

The winners of the day were:

●      Junior Category Gold Winner: Mia Illsley - Skibbereen Community School, Cork

●      Junior Category Silver Winner: Lara Santos Byrne - Coláiste Treasa Greenane, Kanturk, Cork

●      Senior Category Gold: Poppy Kilpatrick - Skibbereen Community School, Cork

●      Senior Category Silver Winner: Emily Nolan - St. Augustine's College, Waterford 

●      Senior Category Special recognition: Tamara Whelan - School of the Holy Spirit, Callan, Kilkenny 

Each winner was awarded prizes of culinary equipment, books, and a trophy in memory of Margaret Keady and mentorship opportunities with Executive Chef of the five star K-Club, Gary O Hanlon. This includes B&B and dinner at the K-Club. Their teachers were also recognised with prizes.

Speaking about the event, Dr Noel Murray from Munster Technological University said, "This inaugural 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."

Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, have been championing Irish producers for 18 years with the annual awards taking place in Dingle in October. Passionate about supporting local, independent producers Chairperson of Blas, Artie Clifford said, “We are delighted to support this inaugural cooking competition in partnership with MTU. My mother, Margaret Keady was a home economics teacher and believed passionately in teaching children how to cook and to have a deep respect for the raw ingredients used every day. Being able to present a trophy in her name is a real full circle moment for us at Blas and we look forward to supporting young chefs and encouraging them into the brilliant world of Irish food and drink.” 

Judge on the day, Shane Smith added, "The level of skill, creativity, and passion displayed by these students was truly inspiring. Their ability to incorporate high-quality local ingredients into their dishes demonstrates a deep appreciation for Irish produce."

The event successfully celebrated Ireland’s vibrant food culture, fostering an appreciation for sustainable cooking and culinary innovation among young cooks. Munster Technological University looks forward to making this an annual tradition, inspiring even more students to explore the art of cooking with Irish ingredients.