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Naoise Ahern represents Limerick at the 2026 Rotary Young Chef Competition

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Naoise Ahern representing Limerick at the 2026 Rotary Young Chef Competition. Tom Flavin, Naoise Ahern and Karen Meade

Coláiste Íde agus Iosef’s rising star, Naoise Ahern represents Ireland at Rotary Young Chef Competition 2026

Naoise Ahern representing Limerick at the 2026 Rotary Young Chef Competition
Diarmuid O’Callaghan, Naoise Ahern and Tom Flavin

The Rotary Young Chef competition, organised annually by Rotary International across Great Britain and Ireland, in partnership with The Hospitality Training Campus and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), continues to inspire young culinary talent, encouraging creativity, skill development, and a passion for quality food. This year’s journey brought Coláiste Íde agus Iosef’s rising star, Naoise Ahern, to the international stage in Scotland.

Following his outstanding success at regional and national level, Naoise travelled to Scotland on Saturday, March 14th, to compete against top young chefs from across the region. While he did not progress to the next stage of the competition, the experience proved to be an immensely positive and memorable one.

Naoise, supported by his mentor Chef and Food Consultant Tom Flavin, represented both his school and Ireland with great pride. Tom is also the Youth Chair of Limerick Central Rotary Club, which also organises Rotary Young Chef in Ireland. The competition provided a valuable opportunity to showcase his culinary skills, creativity, and commitment to quality ingredients on an international platform. Reflecting on the experience, the team expressed great satisfaction with the entire journey. Competing at this level offered invaluable learning, inspiration, and motivation for the future.


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Naoise travelled to Scotland on Saturday, March 14th, to compete against top young chefs from across the region

Tom Flavin said: “We had an amazing experience that was wonderful to be part of. We were very pleased with our entire experience and are very proud to have represented Ireland. We will be back again next year.”

Bernadette Enright, Manager of LCETB’s Hospitality Campus, added: “It is vital that we continue to support and encourage hospitality training at secondary school level. The standard demonstrated by the students in this competition is truly inspiring.”

Naoise’s journey highlights not only his talent in the kitchen but also his dedication, enthusiasm, and respect for food — qualities that continue to mark him as one to watch in the future of Irish culinary arts.

Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, along with his teachers, family, and supporters, remain incredibly proud of his achievements to date. While this chapter concludes in Scotland, it is clear that this is only the beginning of an exciting culinary path ahead.

Naoise may not have advanced this time, but in the eyes of his supporters, he remains a true champion.

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