Kildare woman among eight finalists for RTÉ Christmas Home Cook Competition

RTÉ TODAY show has announced the eight finalists for its festive amateur cook competition 'Christmas Home Cook'.

41 year-old Joanna McCormack from Kildangan will be representing Kildare in the final eight. Viewers may recognise Joanna from series 1 of The Traitors Ireland.

Following the success of TODAY TV Home Cook competition last season, the show put a call-out to viewers for exceedingly good Christmas cooks to take part in a new competition. Eight home cooks from seven different counties have been shortlisted for their festive dishes and have been mentored by chef Trisha Lewis.

Live on the show today and yesterday, presenters Dáithí Ó Sé, Maura Derrane and Sinead Kennedy revealed the finalists live on the show. Voting for viewers' favourite 'Christmas Home Cook' begins today. Voting will be available at RTÉ.ie/tvhomecook

The other seven finalists are:

• Weldon Costello (55). Raheny, Co Dublin. Weldon retired after a stroke two years ago and is in his second career as wedding celebrant.

• Gillian Storan (39), Lismore, Co Waterford. With a background in events and art, mother of three Gillian has an outlet for her creativity in the kitchen.

• Charlene Duggan (42), Pilltown, Co Kilkenny. Charlene shares her passion for baking as an online content creator.

• Ailish O'Dowd (48), Kiltevna, Co Galway. Marketing consultant Ailish has a passion for vegetarian food.

• Deirdre Griffin (45), Kilnamona, Co Clare. Deirdre loves to cook family favourites inspired by her mam and grandaunt.

• Isabelle Kilroy (52), Dublin. Originally from a small village in the South-West of France, Isabelle describes her cooking as French cuisine with Irish influences.

• Maura MacDonald (55), Gorey, Co Wexford. Maura isn't afraid to mix international with local when it comes to experimenting with her cooking.

The final four in the competition will get the chance to cook live in the TODAY show kitchen in the semi-finals. The grand finale will take place live on the show on Monday 7 December. The final will be a highlight of the TODAY show festive celebrations in Christmas week.

The winner of TODAY 'Christmas Home Cook' competition will win a two-day course in the Dunbrody Country House cookery school with two nights B&B for two people with one dinner, at Dunbrody Country house Hotel. Tune in to the TODAY show Monday to Friday from 3.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.