Regional schools compete in Created in Cavan competition   

Schools from Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, and Louth took part in the Regional Final of the Schools TY Young Cook of the Year in Cavan Institute on Wednesday, 24 April.

Six teams of two represented Inver College, Carrickmacross (represented by Martha Alcaide Ruiz and Amaya Labrador), Beech Hill College, Monaghan (Tiah Leonard and Honor Colleran), St Aiden’s Comprehensive, Cootehill (Sarah Reynolds and Muireann Daly), Loreto College, Cavan (Jenna Smith and Niamh Boyle Drought), St Joseph’s Mercy, Navan (Lara Fanning and Niamh O’Leary) and Sacred Heart, Drogheda (Saidhbhe Elmes and Chloe Cromwell).

For the second year of the regional competition run by Created in Cavan, Cavan County Council, Boyne Valley Flavours, Cavan Institute, and Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, students were tasked with using as much local produce in their dishes and also asked to complete a ‘skills test’.

The six teams had two hours to prepare one main course and one dessert for judges Norbert Neylon of the Oak Room Restaurant, Montxo Herrera of Twelve Points, Killua Castle, and Carmel Biggane, Food Academy Manager, SuperValu Ireland.

Siobhán Sheils, Food Strategy Co-ordinator, Cavan County Council said “We were glad to see a positive reaction from all the schools involved. It’s great to have their teachers here today and to have the focus on local produce around Cavan, Monaghan, and The Boyne Valley. We hope that all the students will continue to use and promote the importance of local produce.”

Cllr Carmel Brady, Leas Chathaoirleach of Cavan County Council added “The aim of today was to engage with local schools and to educate the participants on the importance of our local food economy and the students really have inspired us all with their amazing culinary skills.”

Norbert Neylon presented the award for 3rd place to Jenna Smith and Niamh Boyle Drought of Loreto College. Montxo Herrera presented second place to Saidhbhe Elmes and Chloe Cromwell from Sacred Heart Drogheda, and Carmel Biggane presented first place to Martha Alcaide Ruiz and Amaya Labrador of Inver College. All students received a certificate of participation and a goodie bag.

Students also heard from Michelle Marron of Cavan Institute about the Institute’s Commis Chef Apprenticeship, a formal, structured two-year education and training programme, incorporating training in an approved industry kitchen.

For more information on how you can get involved with Created in Cavan as a food business, producer or food retailer then contact Siobhán on food@cavancoco.ie.