Young Limerick student takes top prize at national chef competition
Abbeyfeale chef has recipe for success
A BUDDING young chef from Coláiste Íde agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale has taken the top honour at the Junior Chef Ireland competition.
Ailey Lyons came out on top and was the winner, after just five students made it through to the final.
Hosted by Limerick Central Rotary Club in association with TUS Mid-West and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, the competition was open to secondary school students in full-time education from all over Ireland.
The finals were held in the kitchens of the TUS Moylish campus.
Organiser Tom Flavin, chef and food consultant and president of the Limerick Central Rotary Club, said: “We are delighted to host this successful competition for the second year in a row and to put the talents of these young chefs in the spotlight.
“Through this competition we hope to highlight the many opportunities for students wishing to take up culinary arts as a profession, either by apprenticeships or in third level education.”
Bernadette Enright, manager of LCETB’s hospitality campus, said: “We must continue to support and encourage hospitality training at secondary school level. It’s incredible to see the talent that has been demonstrated in the competition.”
Eithne Gavigan, culinary arts programme leader, added: “TUS are delighted to host again this year. Such competitions are an integral part of fostering the development of talent in young students and exposing them to options available in college at third level.”
The perpetual trophy was sponsored by Luke Nolan of KBR Foodservice Equipment, while other prizes were sponsored by chef Neven Maguire, TUS, LCETB, Rotary Club of Athlone and Sinead Marron of Limerick Central Rotary Club.