Several members of the Irish Butchers Guild were honoured at this year’s prestigious Great Taste Awards, showcasing their talent and commitment to quality.
These independent butchers from across Ireland were celebrated for their innovative spirit and craftsmanship.
‘An Enormous Achievement’
Guild member B. Molloy Master Butchers, based in Ennis, Co. Clare, achieved remarkable success with a 3-star award for their Dry Aged T-Bone Steak.
The butcher also received a 1-star award for their Dry Aged Striploin Steak and locally sourced Rack of Clare Lamb.
Butcher Derek Molloy welcomed the honour, saying, “Winning a 3-star is an enormous achievement for our business.”
Tipperary butchers also featured prominently in the awards.
Walsh’s Gourmet Butcher from Clonmel won five awards, including 2-star awards for their Dry Aged Ribeye Steak and Smoky Pork and Apple Burger.
They also secured 1-star awards for their Pork, Chorizo and Mozzarella Burger, their Lamb, Feta and Spinach Burger and their Stout and Cheese Beef Burger.
Owner Kevin Walsh said, “This recognition from Great Taste is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
‘Most Recognised Accolade’
Cashel-based Cashel Fine Foods t/a The Butchers Daughter was also honoured with a 1-star award for their Traditional Handcrafted Pork Sausage.
Based in Fermoy, Fitzgerald Butchers was recognised for their Himalayan Salt Aged T-Bone Steak, taking home a 1-star award.
Barry Fitzgerald said he was delighted with the honour and acknowledged the traditional practices employed by the business as a key factor.
Dublin-based John Corrigan was also delighted to receive a 1-star award for Corrigan Butchers’ Wagyu Burger.
Tyrone butcher Lisdergan Butchery won a 2-star award for their Ribeye Steak Burger and two 1-star awards for their Dry Aged Cote de Beouf and Dry Aged Ribeye Steak.
Owner Ian McKernaghan said, “Great Taste is the most recognised accolade for taste and quality in the food and drink industry, so we are delighted with the win.”
In Kilkenny, Jon Brown and the team at Grogan & Brown Artisan Butchers won a 1-star award for their Black Pudding, to which Brown said, “Receiving a 1-star award for our Black Pudding is a fantastic recognition of our dedication to quality and tradition.”
The Awards And The Guild
The Great Taste Awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world, are renowned for their rigorous judging process, where taste is paramount.
In total, 13,672 products were put through the competition’s blind judging process.
Of those, 3,938 received a 1-star award for ‘food and drink that delivers fantastic flavour,’ 1,386 won 2-star awards for ‘above and beyond delicious, and 266 were awarded 3-star awards for ‘extraordinarily tasty’ products.
The Irish Butchers’ Guild is a collective of the best butchers on the island of Ireland.
Members of the Guild are highly motivated and passionate independent butchers and meat experts, dedicated to incredible quality and craftsmanship.
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