A LIMERICK student has been crowned Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year 2026.
Ciarán Geary from Mungret Community College impressed judges with his composed and creative menu, with dishes including an Irish Chicken Fillet Roulade and a Biscoff Créme Brûlée.
This year’s competition, which was held in Thomond Park Stadium, marked 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.
Ciarán was among four finalists selected from over 300 TY students across the region.
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.
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 on the day, highlighting the students’ creativity, technical ability, and use of local ingredients.
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, presented Ciarán with the winning trophy and a selection of sponsor prizes, including tickets to Munster v Ulster at Thomond Park from Munster Rugby.