Dundalk IT students named medal winners at Chef Ireland 2025 competition

Dundalk IT’s Culinary students recently represented the Institute at the Chef Ireland 2025 National Culinary Competition. The competition was part of CATEX, the hospitality industry’s leading showcase, which took place in the RDS from February 18- 20. 

Over three days students took part in a range of competitions giving them a chance to showcase their creativity and cook in front of a live audience against the clock, while competing against their peers from other colleges and professional industry chefs. 

Second year student Ondrej Mer competed in both the Junior Chicken Competition and Junior Pork Competition. Faced with stiff competition from peers from institutes across the country and chefs from industry, Ondrej was awarded two silver medals, a fantastic result for a student in his first competitions. Daniella Schmidova also secured a bronze medal for her presentation of Sacher Torte, a rich chocolate gateau with a delicate tempered chocolate garnish. 

The success continued as 2nd year Culinary Arts student Oshini Herath was awarded silver in the hotly contested Junior Fish Competition. Locally sourced black sole was expertly prepared and served with a langoustine mousse and light coconut sauce in a dish described as ‘near perfection’ by judge Tina Walsh.

Read Next: Photos: 27 Infantry Battalion Passing Out Parade at Louth's Aiken Barracks

The competition rounded off a very successful week for the Culinary Team, who are now preparing for their 6-month Internship as part of their studies. Daniella and Oshini will be completing their internships in the 5-star Ashford Castle where they will be under the guidance of DKIT graduate Liam Finnegan whilst Ondrej makes his way to Norway to work in K8 in Stavanger.

The students were mentored along the way by their tutors Alan Mc Cabe, Rosemarie Leonard and Michael Mc Namara as well as receiving input from the wider Hospitality team in DKIT.