Local producers celebrate Blas na hÉireann recognition
The Blas na hÉireann winners for 2020 were announced this week, with several local producers listed.
Gold, silver and bronze winners were given to Cork producers under a range of different categories, with a total of 34 winners in County Cork.
Local winners include Bó Rua Farm (Ballynoe), Fitzgerald’s Butchers (Fermoy), Hanley’s Puddings (Mitchelstown), Ó Crualaoi Feoil Teo, Centra - made in store Salads, Longueville House Beverages and Kepak who won ‘Best in County’.
With the annual pilgrimage to Dingle stalled, this year’s winners tuned in from every corner of the country for a virtual celebration of the very best in Irish food, while many local producers accepted awards for their respective categories on Tuesday in the Bank of Ireland, Fermoy branch.
GOLD
Bó Rua Farm, based outside Conna, have beaten all odds with a gold medal awarded for their whole milk. Last year, Bó Rua Farm also won gold for their cheese, which has received a two star award at this year’s Great Taste Awards.
Tom and Norma Dinneen said they were ‘honoured’ to be awarded the gold medal for their pastuerised, non-homogenised whole cow’s milk.
“We’re delighted, it’s mighty to get a win and to see the gold medal is just superb. It’s great recognition, everyone knows what a Blas award is and the medal itself is something that makes us stand out,” Mr Dinneen told The Avondhu this week.
“We are utterly thrilled and so proud to have won the gold medal.”
Barry Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald’s Butchers, Fermoy told The Avondhu that he was ‘delighted’ to receive the award.
“It’s a great achievement, we won again last year and it’s great to get something again this year. It’s good recognition for what we’re doing for the product and for the quality of food and service we offer,” he said.
WORLD FAMOUS
Matty Considine of Hanley’s Puddings, Mitchelstown said that he was delighted with the award and that it was recognition for the staff at the company.
“We are delighted. We have been making puddings for many years and Anthony has really done so much work to make it a success. We started the business from scratch and this award is recognition of that hard work.
“The quality of food production in the area is world famous at this stage and it is great to be able to say we have this award when approaching outlets to sell our produce,” he said.
Hanley’s went to a purpose built facility in Mitchelstown where they are manufacturing the white and black pudding and other produce, including a new gluten free version for that side of the market.
BENCHMARKING QUALITY
Now in their 13th year, the Blas na hÉireann awards are the all-island food awards that recognise the very best Irish food and drink products, and the passionate people behind them.
Chairperson Artie Clifford feels that now, more than ever, it is essential to shine a light and give that all-important boost to the talented producers dotted around the island.
“While we missed our annual gathering in Dingle, we will join together to cheer on our colleagues and friends that were successful in this year’s awards and hope that it won’t be long before we can gather in Dingle once again.”