Local student named winner of Limerick Rotary Club Young Chef competition

LIMERICK CENTRAL Rotary Club hosted their annual Young Chef Ireland Competition in partnership with The Hospitality Training Campus and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).

Entries were received from across Limerick and Clare, with five outstanding students selected for the final cook-off, held in the professional training kitchens of The Hospitality Training Campus in Roxboro, Limerick. 

The finalists were Ruby Shanahan from Scoil Mhuire & Íde, Newcastle West, Roxane Andre-Liddane from Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Dara Ajala from Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, and Oscar Mehta from St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe.

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Taking part in the final on Thursday, December 4, all finalists demonstrated exceptional culinary skill during the two-hour competition.

Following an impressive showcase of talent, Naoise Ahern of Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale, was announced as the overall winner.

The competition, open to all full-time secondary school students, was sponsored by the Limerick Central Rotary Club, Sinead Marron of Limerick Central Rotary Club, and LCETB. 

The perpetual trophy was generously sponsored by Mr. Luke Nolan of KBR Foodservice Equipment.

Event Organiser Tom Flavin, Chef and Food Consultant and Youth Lead for the Limerick Central Rotary Club, said: “We are delighted to host this competition for the fourth consecutive year and to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talents of these young chefs. 

“Through this event, we hope to highlight the many pathways available for students interested in pursuing culinary arts, whether through apprenticeships or third-level education,” said Tom.