Food sector up for top awards

Ireland’s ever-growing and improving food sector and some of the country’s best sightseeing spots were showcased to an international audience of experts over the last week as the Great Taste Awards came to Tipperary.

Hotel Minella in Clonmel was the venue for the Irish section of this year’s judging of the prestigious awards which are adjudicated by some of the most demanding foodies on these islands, on behalf of the Guild of Fine Food.

Last year’s Supreme Award was presented in London to Pat Whelan of James Whelan Butchers, for his home-produced beef dripping which beat 10,000 entrants from Ireland and the UK and is now being stocked in Harrods and other well-known suppliers. The Clonmel-based butcher invited the Great Taste organisers to have one of its regional tasting sessions on his home patch.