Thomond Park Stadium set the stage for an exciting celebration of young culinary talent as this year’s Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year competition reached its conclusion. The event is the highlight 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.
Ciarán Geary from Mungret Community College preparing his winning main course at Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year at Thomond Park.
More than 300 students from across the region took part in the programme, with four finalists progressing to the live final: 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).
Throughout the competition, students were supported by experienced mentors from the Hospitality Campus, including chefs Tom Flavin, Diarmuid O’Callaghan and Carol Dollery. Their guidance helped participants develop technical skills, refine their menus, and gain confidence ahead of the final.
Ciarán celebrating his win as Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year!
The judging panel featured leading industry figures, including Chef Wade Murphy (Euro-Toques Ireland, 1826 Adare and star of RTE’s Today Show) and Michelin-starred chef Stefan Matz, Group Executive Chef with the iNua Collection. Judges commended the high calibre of the competition, noting the students’ creativity, technical ability, and strong focus on quality local ingredients.
Following a closely contested final, Ciarán Geary from Mungret Community College was named Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year 2026. His winning menu showcased both creativity and technical skill, featuring 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.
Kayla Madigan (Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton), Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year winner Ciarán Geary (Mungret Community College), Naoise Ahern (Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale), and Bo Fan Ye (St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe) pictured pitch-side at Thomond Park Stadium celebrating Ciarán’s win.
Accepting his award, Ciarán reflected on the experience as highly rewarding, highlighting the skills he developed during the programme and acknowledging the support of his mentors, school and family. He was joined on the day by his family, teachers, classmates and principal Liam O’Mahoney from Mungret Community College who celebrated his success at Thomond Park.
Bernadette Enright, Campus Manager, congratulated Ciarán as he received his trophy and a range of sponsor prizes, including tickets to Munster v Ulster at Thomond Park. She also emphasised the value of the initiative in building confidence, developing practical skills, and creating clear pathways into the hospitality industry, while commending all finalists for their achievements.
Ciarán celebrating with his class mates from Mungret Community College.
Limerick and Clare ETB extended thanks to event sponsors Pat O’Connor & Sons, Richardson’s, La Rousse Foods, Neven Maguire, Paul Cross Knives, William’s Gate Master Victualler, Panel of Chefs Ireland and Munster Rugby, whose continued support plays an important role in delivering this high-quality learning experience.
Mentor chef Tom Flavin, judge chef Wade Murphy, finalists Bo Fan Ye (St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe), Kayla Madigan (Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton), winner Ciarán Geary (Mungret Community College), and Naoise Ahern (Coláiste Íde agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale), judge chef Stefan Matz, mentor chef Diarmuid O’Callaghan, and Will King from our College of FET Hospitality Campus.
For more information on our College of FET, Hospitality Campus visit www.collegeoffet.ie/hospitality/
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