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Students from Southern Regional College have won nine medals at this years IFEX, a trade event for the hospitality, foodservice and retail sector. The event saw competitions taking across senior and junior divisions to find the best in class in foodservices plus inspiration from all the latest trends within food and service industry.
To prepare for the competition students trained outside class time alongside their professional chef lecturers and mentors in the weeks leading up to the competition. To be successful students were required to produce two servings of their dish within a short period of time, from as little as 40 minutes. The only competition prep students were allowed to undertake in advance of the competition day was peeling of vegetables, no chopping was permitted under tight competition rules. This meant students were feeling the heat in the kitchen, and not just from the boiling pots and pans!
Students taking part in the competition ranged from Level 2 Professional Cookery Traineeships to Level 3 Apprenticeship students.
Sixteen year-old TJ Cashel O’Farrell from Culloville, Castleblayney won a gold medal in the Culinary Ability section. TJ is a Level 2 Vocational Skills student at the Newry campus. TJ originally came to the College having been introduced to the Professional Chef programme, following the Schools Partnership Programme. This programme gives secondary school students a taster of future career opportunities at their local Further Education College. TJ won his medal for his dish of cod with fried mussels in a white wine sauce with sea herbs and potatoes. TJ chose this dish because the produce is in season and could be locally sourced.
Fellow gold medalist Annabelle Hughes, from Loughgall is no stranger to professional competitions, having been a finalist in last year’s WorldSkills UK competition. At IFEX, Annabelle upped her game to take the gold medal and title “Risotto Chef of the Year NI”. Annabelle will progress to represent Ireland in the "Gallo Risotto Chef of the Year" in June. Speaking on her competition success to date. Annabelle said “I enjoy competing in cookery competitions because I learn so many things from participating in them. The IFEX competition has been a wonderful experience – I can practice specific skills and receive constructive feedback on my cooking techniques and the food I make. My dish for IFEX was a fennel, cured trout, pickled cucumber and citrus risotto dish. I choose this specific dish because the flavour of fennel and trout is a nice addition in a rich risotto. The ingredients really come together to create a risotto that I really enjoy and thankfully the judges did too. I’m currently studying the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery, I choose this course, after completing the Level 2 course because I want to learn more!”
Silver medallists at the competition include Ross Smyth, Darragh Byrne, Sophie Keenan, all from Warrenpoint and Rory Kavanagh from Camlough. All currently study at the College’s Newry campus. Ross competed in the junior duck section, Sophie in contemporary hot starter, Rory in junior poultry and Darragh in seafood. Darragh also picked up the title of IFEX NI Young Seafood Chef of the Year, sponsored by Keenan Seafoods. A well-deserved accolade.
Speaking on the competition, Ross said “I’ve gained a lot of experience from competing at IFEX. It’s been a great opportunity, and I am very grateful for it. I’ve met other chefs and been able to chat with them for tips. It’s also built my confidence for competing at future events.”
SRC mentor Gavin Doran added: “Ross's exceptional performance and dedication has led him to this remarkable achievement, showcasing his talents in the industry. Ross has demonstrated great skill and passion for his work. His positive attitude, hard work, and commitment have been instrumental in his success, along with the support he has received from his employer, Rory O'Connor at Downshire Arms. We are thrilled to see Ross's talent and dedication being recognised with this well-deserved accolade.”
Other students picking up bronze medals in their categories include Thomas McCrink from Newtownhamilton, Ben Webber from Lurgan and Sam Thompson from Gilford.
Commenting on students’ success, mentor Lynette McMath commented “We are so proud of the student’s achievements within the College. The students displayed exceptional attributes through their commitment, dedication, and performance at the competition. They should be very proud of their accomplishments; this will enhance their skills and employment prospects.”
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager for Hospitality & Tourism, further commented “Our success this year in IFEX has been outstanding across our two campuses Newry and Portadown for Culinary Arts. We were delighted that both Level 2 Traineeship and Level 2 Apprenticeship Professional Chefs, Level 2 Vocational Catering, Level 3 Day release and Level 3 Apprenticeship Professional Chefs were all successful.
"To achieve 9 medals, with 2 best in class, is a testimony to their chef mentors who all went the extra mile to prepare for the competitions. We are also delighted that Annabelle, will go on to represent Ireland in the Gallo Risotto Chef of the Year Competition in London in June. We hope to build on this success by entering students into the World Skills competitions this year.”
