Young culinary students shine at Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year final

Pictured at this year’s Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year 2026 final at Thomond Park Stadium was this year’s winner, Ciarán Geary of Mungret Community College, celebrating with classmates. Picture: Alan Place

Thomond Park Stadium played host to an exciting showcase of emerging culinary talent with the 2026 Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year final

Thomond Park Stadium played host to an exciting showcase of emerging culinary talent as this year’s Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year competition reached its conclusion. The event marks the culmination of a six-month Transition Year (TY) taster initiative delivered by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s College of Further Education and Training, Hospitality Campus, a recognised EFQM European Centre of Excellence in culinary and hospitality education.

Four finalists were selected from over 300 TY students across the region: Naoise Ahern (Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale), Kayla Madigan (Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton), Bo Fan Ye (St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe), and Ciarán Geary (Mungret Community College).

Students were mentored by Hospitality Campus chefs Tom Flavin, Diarmuid O’Callaghan and Carol Dollery, who supported them in refining their skills and preparing for the live final.

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

The judging panel included Chef Wade Murphy (Euro-Toques Ireland, 1826 Adare) and Michelin-starred chef Stefan Matz, Group Executive Chef with the iNua Collection. Judges praised the high standard of competition, highlighting the students’ creativity, technical ability, and use of local ingredients.

After an exciting final, Ciarán Geary from Mungret Community College was crowned Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year 2026, impressing judges with a composed and creative menu. His dishes included an Irish Chicken Fillet Roulade with Old Irish Creamery Smoked Cheddar, Ballysteen potato, Ballyhoura mushroom cream and chive oil, followed by a Biscoff Crème Brûlée.

Accepting his award, Ciarán described the experience as highly rewarding, noting how much he had learned and acknowledging the support of his mentor, Chefs Diarmuid O’Callaghan and Carol Dollery, school and family. He was supported on the day by his family, teachers, classmates and principal Liam O’Mahoney, who celebrated his success at Thomond Park.

Bernadette Enright, Campus Manager, congratulated Ciarán as he received his trophy and a selection of sponsor prizes, including tickets to Munster v Ulster at Thomond Park from Munster Rugby. She also highlighted the programme’s role in building confidence, developing practical skills, and opening pathways into the hospitality industry, while commending all finalists.

Thanks were extended to event sponsors Pat O’Connor & Sons, Richardson’s, La Rousse Foods, Neven Maguire, Paul Cross Knives, William’s Gate Master Victualler and Panel of Chefs Ireland and Munster Rugby, whose support plays an important role in delivering this high-quality learning experience for students.