26/04/2023
What an incredible day it has been at Ballymaloe Cookery School! We witnessed the amazing talents of our 9 finalists, who cooked some of the most skilled and delicious dishes. I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed judges Rachel Allen, Pamela Black, Dervla O’ Flynn, and Floree Cullinane, who made the difficult task of choosing a winner seem effortless.
It's been more than three years since I approached Darina Allen with the idea of this competition, and I am so grateful for her unwavering support since day one. A big thank you to everyone at Ballymaloe Cookery School, my principal Edward Gash, and colleague Niamh Rossiter for their constant encouragement and support.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the talented chefs who judged the semi-finals: Nicola Jennings, Annies Roasts, Frank Hedderman, Rachel Hornibrook, Cullen Allen, Rory Graham, and John O’ Connell. And last but not least, thank you to the contestants, their parents, and teachers for making this competition a huge success, helping student prepare and much much more!
Thank you all! - Claire Flood