Special Award for Exceptional Contribution to Irish Food

Award for butchers behind the queen’s black pudding
Irish Independent

THE artisan butchers who created the bespoke black pudding that was served to Queen Elizabeth during her state visit to last May were among the winners at yesterday’s Irish Food Writer’s Guild awards.

McCarthy’s of Kanturk, in Cork, were one of five food producers awarded for their exceptional contribution to Ireland’s reputation as a top food-producing country.

Jack McCarthy and his son Tim come from a long line of butchers who have been producing meat products for five generations.

Also among the winners were David Tiernan for Glebe Brethan Cheese, which is based in Co Louth.

Their product had its beginnings 20 years ago, when they imported two French Montbeliarde cows; now they have more than 70.

Other winners included Brendan and Derek Allen of Castlemine Farm for Castlemine Farm Free Range Pork in Co Roscommon; Patrick and Carol Rooney for Derrycamma Farm Rapeseed Oil in Co Louth; and chairman of the Irish Apple Growers Association, Con Traas of The Apple Farm in Tipperary, honoured with the Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards took place at Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Ecrivain.

Irish Independent