Sweet success for local food and drink producers at food Oscars
Murphy's Craft Butchers in Tullow won a Gold Award and a Silver Award at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards in Dingle, Co Kerry at the weekend. Pictured are Jim, Bernadeta, Sophie and Maya Murphy receiving their awards from Artie Clifford, chairman of Blas na hÉireann, and David Henderson from sponsor Total Food Machines Photos: Don MacMonagle
CARLOW food and drink producers have been deemed among the best in the country – winning numerous awards at Ireland’s food Oscars, Blas na hÉireann 2024.
The Irish food awards took place last weekend, celebrating the very best of Irish food and drink. The winners from Co Carlow were Murphy’s Craft Butchers, Lynch’s For Goodness Cakes, Seerys, New Moon Restaurant, Tullow and Sunshine Juice Ltd, with Royal Oak Distillery awarded Best in County. The Village Dairy in Killeshin also won an award.
“We are thrilled to see that Carlow has six finalist producers in the Blas na hÉireann awards this year, highlighting the incredible variety of locally-produced food and drink available in our county,” said Kieran Comerford, head of economic development and enterprise.
“Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office is dedicated to fostering growth in the food sector, supporting our producers as they start, expand and reach new markets. The Blas na hÉireann awards are a prestigious celebration of excellence for these food businesses and we are proud to be involved by sponsoring the overall Best in Carlow Award,” added Mr Comerford.
Now in its 17th year, Blas na hÉireann saw another strong year across all categories. During the judging, which took place throughout June and July, more than 3,000 entries were judged. Products from every county in Ireland were entered in over 170 categories.
Murphy’s Craft Butchers received a Gold Award for its black charcoal ribeye steak and a Silver Award for its traditional pork sausages.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have our black charcoal ribeye steak recognised with this award. It’s a true reflection of the care, innovation and hard work that goes into crafting our products,” said Jim Murphy.
