Longford's Cloughan Farm named Best Cookery School at prestigious Irish Restaurant Awards

Longford's Cloughan Farm and Cookery School is celebrating after it was named Best Cookery School at the prestigious Irish Restaurant Awards at a gala ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin last night (Monday, May 15).

Fiona Egan and her husband Michael of Cloughan Farm and Cookery School proudly accepted the award, sponsored by Avonmore, from President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan. 

Fiona said they were 'absolutely blown away to have won the All Ireland category for Best Cookery School in Ireland at the Irish Restaurants Awards'.

She added, "We are proud to open our farm gates and welcome visitors and students from all over the world to Longford and the beautiful hidden heartlands."

Almost 1,200 restaurant and hospitality business owners and staff celebrated their hard work and achievements at the awards event on Monday night, which saw many well-known restaurateurs, hospitality business and staff turn out to see if they had won one of the prestigious awards. 

President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, said; “Now in their 14th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards returns with a record-breaking number of public nominations – over 130,000. This sheer number of votes highlights the support & appreciation by the general public for our hospitality sector and all who contribute to it. 

"The Awards continue to showcase the incredible food that is on offer in the cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants of Ireland. As an industry, the restaurateurs, pub-owners and entrepreneurs of Ireland, continue to defy the odds. You strive to create jobs, expand upon Ireland’s understanding of food standards and world cuisine, all while maintaining exemplary customer service.

"Your support of Irish produce has never been greater and for this you should be wholeheartedly applauded. Tonight, is a celebration of your unrelenting commitment, ambition and devotion to the Irish Food Industry."

Caption: Fiona and Michael Egan Picture: Paul Sherwood