Kildare students win gold at national cookery competition
Maggie Cunnane from St Paul’s secondary school, Monasterevin, Caoimhlin Duggan from St. Brogans Bandon, Meadbh Hartnett from Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge and Ciara O’Connor, Meanscoil Nua an Leith Triúigh Castle Gregory Photo. Darragh Kane
TWO Kildare students took home the gold at this year’s Post-Primary School Cookery Competition, ‘Taste of Home’, held at Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork campus.
Young cooks from across Ireland went head-to-head at the second annual competition recently.
Maggie Cunnane, third year student from St Paul's Secondary School, Monasterevin was the Gold Winner in the Junior Category. Maggie’s winning dish was a lemon meringue cheesecake.
Meadbh Hartnett, fifth year student from Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge was the Gold Winner in the Senior Category. Meadbh’s winning dish was a roasted citrus spatchcock chicken with potato salad, celeriac puree and cauliflower steaks.
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 , 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.
Each winner was awarded prizes of culinary equipment, books, and a trophy in memory of Margaret Keady.
