Dundalk IT’s Alan Mc Cabe brings expertise to culinary competitions

Director of Dundalk IT’s Culinary Arts course, Alan Mc Cabe has once again brought his culinary expertise to guide some of the world’s finest emerging young chefs at the WorldSkills Ireland and WorldSkills Lyon live cookery competitions.

Both competitions showcased excellence in young skilled talent, while also bringing industry, education, and government leaders together to move skills to the top of the global agenda.

As the WorldSkills Ireland Cookery Chief Expert, Alan was one of 17 experts, mentoring competitors in the 47th WorldSkills competition in Lyon from 10th to 15th September 2024. Technological University Dublin student Alanna Moffitt was named an award winner in the culinary aspect of the competition. 

Over 1,400 opponents from almost 70 countries across the world took part over four days, demonstrating their knowledge across 62 skills and professions.

Alan also brought his vast knowledge to the role of Chief Examiner in the WorldSkills Ireland competition from the 25th to 27th September, which saw over 170 finalists from across Ireland compete across categories including construction, hospitality and tourism, and creative arts. The event, which took place over 3 days in the RDS, welcomed over 30,000 secondary school students, who had the opportunity to see talented third-level students from across Ireland put their skills to the test.

Technological University of the Shannon student Kieran Bolger was crowned as the Cookery Winner in the Hospitality & Tourism Category sponsored by Fáilte Ireland.

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Speaking following the competitions, Alan Mc Cabe said: “WorldSkills offers a host of experiences to build a deeper understanding of the power of skills and is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of young Irish culinary talent. 

“At DkIT, we pride ourselves on providing students with hands-on experience working with leading industry professionals to put their skills to the test. Our hospitality courses afford exciting opportunities for creative development and enhanced employment opportunities across all sections of the industry including Tourism Management, Event Management, Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts. 

“Our courses provide students with opportunities for global work experience and the chance to participate in a range of challenges such as the Knorr Student Chef of the Year competition and the Irish Hospitality Institute Business Management Game, enhancing their engagement and skills and allowing students to develop skills and competencies in real-world situations.”

DkIT’s hospitality programmes focus on developing professional, business and management skills and Culinary Arts.