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Students from Southern Regional College have won the Northern Ireland Generation Chef final for the second consecutive year, with the grand final held at the SRC Newry East campus on Thursday 30 April.
staff members Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager for Hospitality and Tourism
and Matt Turner, Head of Faculty.
The final was assessed by six industry judges, including chefs from Hastings Hotels, Regency House, TMR Windham Hotel Group and Henderson Foodservice, with front of house judged by representatives from Michelin-starred Ox Belfast and Regency House.
The winning team consisted of chef students Eva Newell (18) from Kilkeel and Leon Ruddy (18) from Bleary, alongside hospitality student Katie Gray (17) from Collone, Armagh. They were selected following six regional heats held across the north's further education colleges.
The title of Rotary Ireland Generation Chef 2026 came with a significant prize package, secured through Northern Ireland's eleven Rotary Clubs. Winners will receive industry placements and mentorships with the Hastings Hotel and Windward Hotel Groups, as well as a four-day Culinary Tour of Ulster. The tour will include masterclasses with leading executive chefs and suppliers and visits to some of Northern Ireland's award-winning food and drink producers.
left: Seamus Rooney (lecturer), Lynette McMath (lecturer), Leon Ruddy, Katie Gray,
Eva Newell, Keith Campbell (lecturer), Michelle Moore (Curriculum Area Manager),
Matt Turner (Head of Faculty, Professional Services)
Now in its second year, the competition is a collaboration between 11 Rotary Clubs and six Regional Colleges, spanning 10 hospitality campuses. It is designed to highlight the culinary arts as a career path in Northern Ireland. Key sponsors included Henderson Foodservice, Hastings Hotels and, new for 2026, TMR Windward Hotel Group.
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager of Hospitality and Tourism at Southern Regional College, said: "I am immensely proud of Leon, Eva and Katie on winning this very prestigious competition. Their lecturers, Lynette, Keith and Seamus, worked hard to mentor and support them.
"Winning this competition for the second year in a row is extremely rewarding and is a true testament to our commitment to developing and nurturing talent within the Hospitality and Catering industry.
Henderson Foodservice and Newry Rotary Club members Eoin McConville,
Raymond Mullan and Alan Griffin. Pictured from left: Eoin McConville, Rotary Club
Newry; Cathal Geoghegan, Henderson Foodservice; Raymond Mullan, Rotary Club
Newry; Alan Griffen, Newry Rotary Club & WBR Credit Union
"It was a huge honour for SRC to host the Northern Ireland Final and to welcome so many highly regarded figures from the Hospitality sector. I would like to thank the Rotarians for organising such a brilliant competition, and our students are very much looking forward to their upcoming Culinary Tour to broaden their culinary knowledge."
