Junior Chefs Compete in Limerick

Four Transition Year students from Limerick Clare ETB community colleges competed in the Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year 2024 Final at the Strand Hotel, Limerick on Tuesday 16th April.

They took part in a live culinary competition organised by the College of FET, Hospitality Campus.

A joint initiative between the LCETB Further Education and Training and Schools Divisions, the competition is aligned with the national FET strategy to integrate "taster" vocational courses into second level education. Since last September, taster courses in culinary skills and barista skills were undertaken by over 300 TY students who have an interest in the hospitality sector as a career, or in learning a skill for life.

Student finalists in this year’s Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year Final are from Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale; Coláiste Mhuire Askeaton; Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Limerick; and Mungret Community College.

The winner was Ailey Lyons from Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, who impressed the judges with her pan-fried supreme of Irish chicken with Barnagh honey, glazed rainbow carrots, fondant and new potato, and a Ballyhoura mushroom sauce. Her dessert of triple chocolate mousse on a chocolate biscuit base, layered with mango and passionfruit, was a beautiful picture on a plate.

The tasting judges were Micheline Corr, director of The Firm; Alan Fitzmaurice, president of The Panel of Chefs; Loïc Guyon, Honorary Consul of France, French Embassy; and John Gavin, co-owner Shannon Springs Hotel, Shannon Branch IHF.

Pictured are: (Back row) John Gavin, Alan Fitzmaurice, Loïc Guyon, Micheline Corr, and chef judges Wade Murphy, executive chef/owner, 1826 Adare and Stefan Matz, group executive chef, iNua.

Front row: David Omielianowicz, Coláiste Mhuire Askeaton; Katie Keogh, Mungret Community College; Ailey Lyons, Coláiste Íde Agus Iosaf, Abbeyfeale and Joe Minihan, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Limerick.