It was a true honour to be invited by the legendary Dave Lang to judge at this year’s prestigious National Irish Steak Challenge, hosted by the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland (ACBI). As a food business coach, I am passionate about supporting and celebrating the exceptional work of independent food businesses, and this competition is a perfect example of that dedication. The ACBI represents over 300 independently owned and operated butchers across Ireland, and their passion for quality and craft is evident in every aspect of these annual events.
In 2024, I had the privilege of serving as MC for the ACBI Skills Challenge, an event highlighting the incredible talent and dedication within the craft butchery industry. To be invited back again this year to judge at the National Irish Steak Challenge was an absolute delight. This competition is not just about finding the best steaks in Ireland—it’s about celebrating the skill, care, and tradition that goes into producing them. From fillet to ribeye, the entries showcased a remarkable standard of excellence. These events are much more than competitions; they are a testament to the resilience and innovation of independent food businesses in Ireland. The camaraderie and shared passion among participants create an inspiring atmosphere.
It’s a joy to witness how these butchers pour their hearts into their craft, ensuring their products stand out in a competitive market. As someone who has dedicated my career to empowering food businesses through coaching, mentoring, consulting, operational support, or recipe development, I find these events deeply rewarding. They provide a platform for butchers to showcase their incredible skills while fostering collaboration and growth within the industry. It’s truly inspiring to see how events like these continue to elevate the standards of Irish craft butchery year after year.
I also had the good fortune to judge alongside my biggest mentor Darina Allen who is and has been for over 20 years one of the most influential Irish Food Mentors I have had. I am so lucky to have spent nearly ten years in her company as a student to a trainee teacher to quickly becoming a senior teacher in her world-renowned cookery school. Those experiences have shaped me and continue to shape me. Her service to our industry is immeasurable because she never stops and will always prioritise educating and training everyone around her while also being a sponge to learning- these qualities have made her who she is.
The fabulous Aidan Ryan accompanied me as my associate to judge on the day. His background in food, farming, chefing and being a restaurant owner ensured he was an invaluable asset to this National Irish Steak challenge so I knew he would add immense value. Aidan has joined my team for 2025 so watch this very exciting space.
The Winners 2025 of The National Irish Steak Challenge are:
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