Chef Ciara's culinary craft wins healthy cookery competition 

A Cork student has been recognised at the Healthy Home Chef Cookery Competition.

The competition, held recently at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) St Angelas Campus in Sligo, saw Ciara Walsh of Coláiste Fionnchua, Mitchelstown, honoured as the overall Senior Silver winner.

Sponsored by Dunnes Stores, MacNean House and the National Centre of Excellence for Home Economics at ATU, the competition was open to junior and senior secondary school students, Youthreach centres and special schools across Ireland.

The competition took place over two days, seeing hundreds of finalists battle it out creating a range of meals, to win a prize fund of more than €10,000 worth of vouchers and equipment for them and their schools.

There were 32 competitors selected as finalists and were invited to recreate their dishes before a panel of judges, including award winning chef and TV presenter, Neven Maguire.

Fantastic

Head of the Simply Better brand in Dunnes Stores, Derek Gallagher, said that it was “fantastic” to see the use of Dunnes Stores’ products in the competition.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Healthy Home Chef competition again this year with the support of our Simply Better brand ambassador Neven Maguire,” said Mr Gallagher.

“It has been fantastic to see the inspiring dishes the students have created using Dunnes Stores products.”

Dr Amanda McCloat, who is the head of ATU St Angelas, said that the competition highlights the “very best” of aspiring young chefs.

“This competition showcases the very best of home economics education, where students had to display their healthy home food skills whilst promoting the importance of healthy eating,” said Dr McCloat.

Mr Maguire said that he was pleased to be a part of the process, highlighting the enjoyment he got from seeing the level of expertise displayed amongst the young competitors.

“These students show a real gift in what they do, their knowledge and skills shines through their love of cooking and it’s a real pleasure to be a part of the experience,” he said.