Bankingon localsuccess
IT may be Wee in size, but Co Louth certainly scores highly in the taste stakes!
A total of six producers walked away with top prizes in this year’s prestigious Blás na hÉireann food awards, and in the absence of a glittering ceremony in Dingle, Co Kerry this year due to COVID, the local winners were given their awards in a safe manner in the Bank of Ireland in Drogheda.
The bank was sponsor, and Head of Louth Paula Harmon said it was great to be able to meet the worthy winners last Wednesday. ‘We were delighted to host the presentation of the Blas Na hEireann awards to our local winners,’ said Ms Harmon. ‘Well done to Nature’s Best, East Coast Bakehouse, Drummond House Garlic, McEntee’s Teas, Oriel Sea Salt, Carlingford Oystyer Co. who were recognised for producing the very best in Irish food and drink.’
During one of the most trying periods for most businesses, owners were thrilled their challenges were acknowledged and rewarded.
‘I want to thank the whole team for developing the product and accept this on their behalf,’ said Managing Director of East Coast Bakehouse Sean Murphy, whose Chocolate Enrobed Biscuit won a Bronze award. ‘We put it to market very quickly and it’s a product we made for Aldi so a big thank you to them for their support.’
Peter Collier owns Baltray-based Drummond House Garlic with his partner Marita, and was awarded a Chef ’s Larder award for their Irish Elephant Garlic.
‘We are absolutely thrilled as it’s our first time entering this competition, and also the first time to showcase this new and unique garlic,’ says Peter. ‘ This is homegrown on Co Louth soil and if course, we only use local staff and couriers so are a totally local business in every sense.’
Following on Awards in the Great Taste, midLouth company McEntee’s Irish Tea continued their winning streak taking Gold for their Irish Afternoon Tea, and husband and wife team Donal and Helen McEntee accepted their award with thanks.
‘It’s great to see us being stocked in so many local shops, and we are keen to build on that, as we expand too out into the North East and Dublin, and it’s been great to team up with businesses like the Great Northern Larder to have our teas included in hampers,’ says Helen.
John Delaney of Oriel Sea Salt Company based out of Port Oriel in Clogherhead accepted his Silver award for their Guinness Smoked Sea Salt and Bronze for their Roe & Co Whiskey Smoked Salt.
‘We started as business to business, but have some nice products out in retail now, and it’s lovely to come into a bank and get an award!’ says John with a laugh.
It was success on the triple for Carlingford Oysters Winning Gold for their Louis Feisser oyster and Silver for their Carlingford Oyster and also winning Best in County Louth.