‘We’re proud of what is now one of the best food fairs in Ireland’

AS Minister of State for Agriculture and Food in the 1990s, Jimmy Deenihan represented Ireland in cities and food capitals throughout the world which is when the idea for a food fair in Listowel was first hatched.

Up to that point the concept of linking local produce with cultural identity was still in its infancy, but Jimmy recognised that local produce was a huge source pride in cities like Paris, Turin and Berlin. So, why not Listowel?

“I met the late Sheila Broderick one year in Turin where she was promoting farmhouse cheese for Bord Bia and that’s when I first suggested we should have a food fair in Listowel,” Jimmy said.

“I later met Johanna Watkins and I asked would she get involved and that’s how it all started. Since then there have been many committed people involved, all of whom do it voluntarily and with such passion. We’re proud to have built-up one of the most sustainable food fairs in the country which is recognised as such by Bord Bia and other agencies.”

The Listowel Food Fair now incorporates local schools, the farming community, healthy eating strategies, art and literature, while also hosting a Lifetime Achievement Award and the acclaimed Listowel Food Book of the Year Award all of which are highly valued, nationally.

The committee continually expand its programme of events to connect with every aspect of the food chain from farm to fork. This formula targets different sectors and people visiting Listowel Food Fair hold a deep interest and appreciation in food and wine, even whiskey tasting. Listowel Food Fair also started the first food hall in Kerry which is sure to attract huge crowds again this year to The Listowel Arms Hotel. Likewise, this year’s Craft Fair will be held in the Seanchaí Centre to accommodate larger crowds.

“Listowel Food Fair really involves the broader community and there’s great participation from various interest groups. We’re very fortunate in Listowel to have such a diverse choice in food as we have Irish, Indian, Italian, Chinese and Armenian restaurateurs here. This is just one of many reasons why we like to celebrate fine food,” Jimmy said.

All aboard for Ireland’s Oldest Food Fair in Listowel, Co Kerry which takes place this week from November 9th-13th. This is the 23rd year of the festival which will include celebrity guests, cookery demonstrations and the annual food awards. Pictured aboard the Listowel Lartigue Train for the launch are in front Molly Whyte, Colette O’Connor and Jimmy Deenihan. And at back from left, Tom Quinn, train driver, Oscar McElligott, Patrick Adaniak, Ronan Stack, Michelle o’Callaghan, Aimee Stack, Coleen Stack, Grace Harte, Lily Harte and committee members, Paul O’Connor, Garvey’s Listowel, Mairead Moriarty, Ruth O’Quigley, Dina Vyapuri, Asya O’Callaghan and vanguard Richard Lyons. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Artist Amy Sheehy and her sister Elise with Jimmy Deenihan, Chairman at the opening of her art exhibition Art & Food - ‘The edible Landscape’ at the 22nd Listowel Food Fair. Photo: Don MacMonagle.