Limerick student cooking up a storm to compete for Chef of the Year title

A LIMERICK student is going to compete for one of the most prestigious cooking titles for students. 

Lucas Maier, originally from Romania, but now living in Clareview in the city will represent TUS at the Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year final, which takes place at TUS Moylish on March 10. 

The annual competition celebrates excellence, creativity and innovation among the country’s emerging culinary talent. 

Lucas previously assisted another TUS student, Yeshuah O’Brien in the same competition, when Yeshuah claimed the national title in 2025 and gave TUS Moylish the honour of hosting this year. 

Lucas will be assisted by Lucia Canalda for the competition. 

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The theme of the competition is borderless cuisine, celebrating how chefs blend ingredients, techniques and traditions from all around the world.

Competitors have to produce two dishes inspired by their background, travels or the diverse communities around them. 

Lucas who works in the kitchen at Dromoland Castle, will enter a main course featuring pork inspired by his Romanian heritage paired with Irish ingredients and using techniques from his European travels. 

Lecturers in culinary arts at TUS, Jim O’Meara and Eithne Gavigan will be helping the students to prepare.

Jim O’Meara said: “Yeshuah did the business for us last year when he won the title in Athlone, and that was a proud moment for everyone at TUS. It reflects the standard our students can reach when they combine creativity, discipline and a real willingness to learn.

“Lucas played an important role in that success as Yeshuah’s assistant, and this year he steps forward as a competitor in his own right. He has fully embraced the borderless cuisine theme, bringing his Romanian heritage together with excellent Irish produce. He will be ably assisted by Lucia, and we are very proud of how they are representing both Limerick and TUS on a national stage.” 

Following a live cook-off at the Moylish campus, finalists will be judged by leading professionals from Ireland’s hospitality sector. 

Audrey Crone, executive chef Ireland with Unilever Food Solutions and one of the judges at the competition, said: “TUS Limerick has a long-standing reputation for culinary excellence. Hosting the 2026 final here reflects the calibre of its students, lecturers and facilities. The talent demonstrated last year is testament to the mentorship and dedication within the college. 

“Student Chef of the Year is about championing the next generation of chefs and we are excited to see their creativity come to life on March 10.” 

TUS will also be represented in this year’s competition by Lesslie Angeles Terrazas Miguel from the Athlone campus of TUS, assisted by Oisin O’Flanagan, highlighting the strength of culinary talent across both campuses. 

The winner will receive an exclusive culinary experience, industry recognition and invaluable exposure within Ireland’s hospitality sector.