TUS student chef Martin Duffy (Class winner, Chocolate Sculpture competition). Martin, originally from Ferbane and now living in Athlone, works as the head chef in the Athlone Springs Hotel. Photo: Nathan Cafolla.

Offaly's Martin wins prestigious award at Chef of Ireland competition

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Students from TUS in Athlone showcased their culinary talents at the recent Chef of Ireland competition in Dublin's RDS, bringing home gold and silver medals.

Students Martin Duffy, Liam Martin, and Kayleigh Jade Hannon competed against student chefs from across the country to win the coveted prizes in a competition which was held during the CATEX exhibition.

Ferbane native Martin Duffy, now in his first year of a BA in Culinary Arts, won gold in the Chocolate Sculpture category for his chocolate windmill sculpture, which he created as part of his Advanced Pastry module.

"It was a lot of work, a lot of preparation, but it was really, really worth it," he said, explaining that he'd put at least "150-200 hours" in behind the scenes preparing for his first ever culinary competition.

With 25 years’ culinary experience under his belt, however, Martin is certainly no stranger to the kitchen and is currently employed as the head chef of the four-star Athlone Springs Hotel.

The Offaly man, now living in Athlone, returned to education last year on a part-time basis to fulfil his dream of earning a degree and going on to become a culinary lecturer.

Culinary arts lecturer Kevin Ward, himself an award-winning chocolatier, mentored Martin throughout the competition process and called CATEX a hugely "positive experience" for the students.

"All of our students and their mentors have put in hours of work outside of class time in order to hone skills to a level required for international competition. This includes attending extra technical sessions in their discipline areas," he explained.

"Competitions like this give students an opportunity to experience the culinary practice far removed from the usual routine - giving students a chance to learn self-management, practice flexibility and build teamwork skills."

(Pictured L to R) TUS culinary students Kayleigh Hannon (Silver medal, Risotto competition), Liam Martin (Silver medal, Fish competition) and Martin Duffy (Class winner, Chocolate Sculpture competition) celebrate their success at the Chef of Ireland competition at CATEX in Dublin. Photo: Nathan Cafolla.

Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure head Dr Emma Reardon said she was "thrilled" for the students’ successes at the CATEX Chef of Ireland competition and congratulated staff who were "involved in this triumph".

"This exemplifies the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure's commitment to active learning, where students learn by doing," she said.

"This hands-on approach to learning ensures TUS culinary graduates are among the most sought-after in the country with the relevant knowledge and skills employers are looking for."

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