‘A Fresh Start’ for Created in Cavan

Members of the Cavan Food Network and the public came together in Farnham Estate on Tuesday, 21 March for a networking evening focused on Cavan food and drink under the theme, ‘A Fresh Start’. Guest speakers on the night, hosted under the ‘Created in Cavan’ brand, were Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur JP McMahon of Aniar Restaurant in Galway and food and travel writers Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford, The Gastro Gays. 

On arrival, guests were treated to a showcase of food and drinks from local producers, with an opportunity for all-important networking. Marianne McDonald, Food Strategy Co-ordinator with Cavan County Council welcomed attendees, noting “In the food world, it’s important to keep things fresh, and that is also true for our network,” and provided an update on recent projects carried out under the ‘Created in Cavan’ banner, including The Chef Safari Tour, The Schools’ Young Chef of the Year, The National School Food Programme, Seasonal Markets, and the Created In Cavan Cookbook.  

Norbert Neylon, Chairperson of the Cavan Food Network, announced the Created In Cavan 2023 Calendar Of Events and reminded attendees of the benefits of membership: “We serve as a voice of experience for anyone who needs help in the industry, we share our expertise with the main aim of promoting food in the county”.  

The first speaker of the evening was award-winning chef JP McMahon, one of Ireland’s foremost food leaders and a prominent advocate for local food, food sustainability, food education and food ethics. JP explained Irish food culture is still in its infancy and urged attendees to build their food story through community. “You have to have belief in what you are doing by building the Created in Cavan Brand. Your products will tell the story of the local landscape,” he said. 

The last speakers of the evening were Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford of the Gastro Gays. The current restaurant critics of the Sunday Times Ireland, the pair are also authors and regular media contributors. They spoke about the ‘5 Cs’ - collaboration, communication, creativity, connection, and community, which they advised are the keys to maintaining a successful food network. The ideas were flowing at the end of their compelling presentation.  

A fresh start is here for Created in Cavan and we look forward to see what it brings. 

For more information on the ‘Created in Cavan’ brand, including the exciting 2023 Calendar of Events, just visit www.createdincavan.ie. To enquire about membership of the Cavan Food Network, contact mmcdonald@cavancoco.ie.