Beech Hill College students win Monaghan TY Young Cook of the Year Competition

The third Monaghan TY Young Cook of the Year Competition took place on Wednesday, 26 February in Monaghan Institute.

The aim of the competition is to encourage young people to explore and potentially enter a career within the hospitality sector through the wide range of courses and programmes delivered in Monaghan Institute and Cavan Institute.

The project also encourages secondary schools to promote local food produce and aims to educate future generations about the importance of supporting our local food industry.

This year’s event was sponsored by SuperValu Food Academy, Monaghan Local Enterprise Office and Cavan in partnership with Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).

Transition Year students from 3 local secondary schools travelled to Monaghan to showcase their culinary skills. The participating schools were Inver College, Carrickmacross, Beech Hill College and St Macartan’s College, Monaghan.

On the day of the competition the students had two hours to prepare a two-course meal using local Monaghan ingredients. Some of the dishes cooked on the day included: Peppered Manor Farm chicken breasts in a creamy tarragon sauce; Gourmet stir fry of sauteed chicken and vegetables; and Butter chicken curry.

Judging the competition were Jenn Gonnelly from Monaghan Taste Club, Gareth Moore from Fat Boy Sauces and Mark Hamill from Squealing Pig Bar and Restaurant. Students were supported on the day by Chef Pauric White, Commis Chef Apprenticeship Instructor with CMETB.

Mark Hamill (Squealing Pig) said it was heartening to see the hard work and effort showcased on the day. Gareth Moore (Fat Boy Sauces) commended the students for their outstanding culinary skills and complimented the students on their desserts. While Jenn Gonnelley (Monaghan Taste Club) described the event as a splendid showcase of the exquisite Monaghan products. Pauric White (Commis Chef Apprenticeship Instructor) noted that the standard of food was very good, students believing in their recipe and following it through means a lot and executes the dish perfectly.

Third place on the day went to Darragh Sherry and Conal McNelis from St Macartan’s College with their dishes Butter Chicken Curry, followed by Homemade Cocolate Brownie. The judges commented on the flavour of the student’s curry, it was clear that this was a well-practised menu with the flavours balanced to perfection.

Second place was awarded to Noel Murtagh and Corey McKevitt from Inver College with their two dishes of Peppered Manor Farm chicken breasts in a creamy tarragon sauce served with Matilda’s sourdough baguette and a mixed leaf salad; and White Chocolate and Orange mousse served with Glaslough Chocolate curls and a brandy snap biscuit. The judges were very impressed by the standard of the preparation evident by the students. Presentation and execution were very close to hitting top marks.

Taking home first place was Beech Hill College students Moya Sheering and Aoibhe Lynch with their dishes of Gourmet Stir Fry of Sauteed chicken and vegetables followed by a homemade Lemon Curd Crumble petit Gateaux. The preparation and attention to detail displayed by the students were faultless. The students even wowed the judges with a beautiful homemade lemon curd.

Sinead McKenna (Training Services Manager, CMETB) presented the winners with their prizes, remarking; “The students here today have inspired us all with their amazing culinary skills, showcasing not only their talent but also the bright future of culinary excellence that lies ahead.”

Michelle Marron (Commis Chef Apprenticeship, Programme Manager) complimented the students on their work ethic, culinary skills and their interpersonal skills. She said they did their teachers and families proud on the day.

The students from Beech Hill College will now go on to represent Monaghan in the National Final of the Young Cook of the Year taking place in Cavan Institute in April. Winners from other local regions include Bailiebough Community School (Cavan), Eureka Secondary School (Meath) and Sacred Heart Secondary School (Louth). Best of luck to all students in the final.

If you are a local food producer and would like to get involved with next year’s competition, please email michellemarron@cavaninstitute.ie.