Food & Drink show

Caolán Prendergast is the Executive Head Chef at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel having previously honed his skills at the award-winning La Campagne in Kilkenny. He leads the culinary team at the hotel's award-winning Plum Tree Bistro, renowned for its traditional Irish and international cuisine. Under his leadership, the bistro has earned accolades such as "Best Casual Dining" and "Best Irish Breakfast" at the Irish Hotel Awards and has been featured in Lucinda O'Sullivan's Best Places to Eat guide. Chef Prendergast emphasises the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, collaborating with a diverse team of chefs to create menus that highlight provenance and quality. The hotel's own herb garden provides fresh herbs, enhancing the flavours of their dishes while the honey used in his recipe comes from the hotel's on-site bee hives. Caolán is deeply passionate about showcasing Carlow's farms and artisan suppliers.

Rachel Allen is a bestselling cookery writer, TV chef and celebrated teacher at the world- famous Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork. Raised in Dublin, Rachel began studying at Ballymaloe at the age of eighteen, remaining after graduation to cook at the Ballymaloe House Hotel and Restaurant. She then set off to TRAVEL (AND SOMETIMES cook) around the world, returning afterwards to Ballymaloe to work at the cookery school. It was there she found her passion for teaching, where she continues to lecture to this day. Rachel is a popular figure in the culinary world, with an international audience for her bestselling cookery books and food writing, her live demonstrations, and her much-loved television programmes. Rachel’s hugely successful cookbooks and accompanying TV series include Rachel’s Favourite Food, Bake, Easy Meals, Cake and Rachel’s Everyday Kitchen. Her books have sold over three million copies worldwide, and her series for RTE and the BBC have been broadcast in over 40 countries. Additionally, Rachel was co-host of Good Food Channel’s Market Kitchen, has appeared on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, and currently co-hosts Virgin media’s The Restaurant with Marco Pierre White. Rachel has also been a guest on multiple international programmes, including NBC’s Today and Good Morning America.

Cian Waters, co-owner of Waterlilies in Carlow and Tullow, shares his passion for artisan sourdough bread-making, presenting a selection of handcrafted loaves expertly paired with award-winning cheeses from Carlow Farmhouse Cheese. To complete the experience, Cian also presents a selection of biodynamic wines, carefully chosen to complement the flavours of the breads and cheeses. This delicious collaboration highlights Carlow’s exceptional producers and food heritage. Alongside his business partner, Dave Seitz, Cian transitioned from a background in fine dining to establish Waterlilies, aiming to create a space that emphasises quality, community and sustainability. Waterlilies specialises in freshly baked sourdough bread and pastries, serving specialty coffee and tea. Their menu features organic, seasonal and homemade dishes, along with biodynamic wines and beers. The café is also known for hosting evening events such as 'Wine & Cheese' nights, 'Paint & Sip' sessions and live music gigs, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

Jamiul Alam is the owner and head chef of New Moon Indian Restaurant in Tullow. Under his leadership, the restaurant has gained recognition for its commitment to authentic Indian cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The New Moon Indian Restaurant was awarded a Bronze Medal for its Chicken Tikka Masala at the prestigious Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, often referred to as the "Food Oscars" of Ireland, while Jamiul was also recognised as one of the top restaurateurs in Leinster at the Restaurant Association of Ireland's Leinster Restaurant Awards in the same year. At New Moon Restaurant, every dish is crafted to order, ensuring freshness and quality. With a passion for traditional techniques and careful use of varied spices, Jamiul has earned a reputation for creating dishes that are both deeply rooted in Indian culinary heritage and appealing to modern Irish diners.

Nigel Cloney is Executive Head Chef in the Talbot Hotel Carlow. Since taking up the position in 2023, Nigel has championed a fresh and contemporary approach to cooking, believing that simple, quality ingredients can be brought together to create flavoursome dishes. He is also passionate about making the most of every product, using ingredients to their full potential and minimising food waste.

Josephine O'Neill is the National President of Macra, representing more than 16,000 young farmers and rural young people on the issues shaping their future and the future of rural Ireland. A native of Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny, Josephine comes from a beef and tillage farm and has been an active member of Callan Macra for over 12 years. A qualified Home Economics and Irish teacher, Josephine is passionate about educating young people on food production, the importance of Irish agriculture, and the vital role farmers play in producing safe, sustainable, high-quality food.