The winning Cavan producers at the Blás na hÉireann 2023 Awards: Back (from left) Siobhan Mulligan, Food Strategy Co-Ordinator, Cavan County Council; Gerry Sheridan, Ice Cream Treats; Michael Brown, Liffey Meats, Ciaran Beirne, Liffey Meats; Patrick Reilly, Terra Ltd; Kieron Moran, Moran’s Mega Jam; Barney Cully, Cully’s Craft Bakery; Siobhán Sheils, Food Strategy Co-Ordinator, Cavan County Council; front, John Donohoe, Senior Executive Officer, Cavan County Council; Tommy Ryan, Chief Executive, Cavan County Council; Brían Cully, Cully’s Craft Bakery, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Philip Brady; Colette McGovern, Áine’s Handmade Chocolates.

Cavan producers having a ‘Blas’ at food awards

Published:

Eight local producers from County Cavan have been awarded prestigious awards at the Blas na hÉireann

Irish food awards, a three-day celebration of the best of Irish food and drink, which took place from Thursday to Sunday, August 28-30.

The winners from County Cavan were Áine Handmade Chocolates, Cullys Craft Bakery, Drummully Boxty, Ice Cream Treats, Liffey Meats, Manor Farm, Moran’s Mega jam Ltd and Terra Ltd.

Speaking following the announcement of winners, Blas na hÉireann Chairperson, Artie Clifford, said: “We are thrilled to see such deserving winners and finalists again this year at Blas na hÉireann 2023. Looking back on 16 years of Blas, it’s fantastic to see the standard of food and drink in Ireland go from strength-to-strength year on year. It’s a real privilege for myself and the whole Blas family to bring these products, and the amazing producers who make them, to a much wider audience.”

Hailing the success of Cavan’s producers at the event, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Councillor Philip Brady said: “I am delighted, but not surprised, to see such a big medal haul for Cavan at this year’s Blas na hÉireann. We are blessed with fantastic produce here in this county, and an entrepreneurial spirit to match. “I have had the pleasure of sampling produce from all of this year’s winners, and I know from experience that these awards are thoroughly deserved. I have no doubt the seal of approval from Blas na hÉireann will encourage us all to look for local in our shopping baskets going forward.”

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Mr Tommy Ryan, said: “In my eight years working in Cavan, I have had the privilege of watching the local food and beverage sector grow from strength to strength. I want to congratulate not only the eight local companies that have been honoured by Blas na hÉireann, but all the hardworking producers that have created such a strong local food offering. It’s particularly pleasing that so many of this year’s winners are part of the Created in Cavan food network, as this brand has done much to raise the profile of Cavan produce. I look forward to watching the continued growth of this brand in future.

“We are so proud and delighted to join the eight Cavan producers to celebrate their success at this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards,” said Siobhán Sheils and Siobhan Mulligan, Food Strategy Coordinators, Cavan County Council.

“To be here representing County Cavan in Dingle is testament to their hard work and dedication over the years. The addition of a Blas na hÉireann award is a huge compliment, particularly when surrounded by such high quality Irish food and drink products. Congratulations to all the finalists on their immense achievement.”

Now in its 16th year, Blas na hÉireann saw the highest number of entries with almost 3,000 products and many new producers entering the awards for the first time. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver, or gold awards in over 150 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. As the competition ramps up year on year, securing that Blas badge is a huge achievement and means those producers who are short listed as finalists and the final winners really are the crème de la crème of Irish food and drink.

For more information on Created in Cavan, the Cavan food and beverage brand, visit the website: www.createdincavan.ie

Published: