Irish Examiner writers win big at the Irish Food Writing Awards

Founded by Suzanne Campbell and Paul O’Connor, the awards reward excellence in writing and content production on Irish food. Categories were open to writers, journalists, chefs, bloggers, broadcasters, photographers and those who promote Irish food on social media, and Irish Examiner writers were recognised across the board.

The awards received over 200 entries across 15 categories, judged by a panel that included some of the world’s top names in food and drink such as Rene Redzepi from Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, broadcaster Jay Rayner and restaurant critic Tom Parker Bowles.

Weekend Magazine food columnist and restaurant reviewer Joe McNamee took home the award for Restaurant Writing, judged by Tom Parker Bowles and Xanthe Clay. Columnist Michelle Darmody won an award for her extensive writing on the importance of sustainability in food and Jess Murphy of Kai restaurant in Galway was first to congratulate her, tweeting “Big win. Delighted for Michelle.” Weekend drinks writer Leslie Williams was honoured to be among the finalists in the Wine Writing award, having sifted through a whopping 104 columns for his entry.

Regular contributor to both Feelgood and Weekend Magazine, Caroline Hennessey was thrilled to take home the prize for Online Food Writing. Irish Examiner columnist Colm O’Gorman was shortlisted for the Irish Cookery Writing Award, missing out to Lilly Higgins, who took home the prize. “I’m absolutely delighted for her,” O’Gorman said.