Irish Food Writing Awards 2023: Writing on Sustainability in Irish Food

Firstly, it’s the delight of being shortlisted for one…two…three…four Irish Food Writing Awards. Then, it’s a night for getting glammed up to catch up with old friends, new colleagues and people whose work you’ve admired but never had a chance to meet in person.

It’s the excitement of all being together in a big, beautiful room to celebrate the best of Irish food writing. It’s the thrill of anticipation when winners are announced, especially when they are categories that you and the friends at your table have been nominated for.

It’s the surprise – and the pride – when you hear your name read out from the stage: getting to take home the Writing on Sustainability in Irish Food award was a real privilege.

A well deserved Outstanding Achievement Award went to the legends that are John and Sally McKenna.

They have travelled and eaten the length and breadth of the country many, many times in their tireless quest for the best of the best. Their entertainingly opinionated guides have always celebrated real food, Irish food, always carefully produced and creatively cooked, whether it is from a side of the road food truck or a bountiful restaurant table.

Awards organiser Suzanne Campbell asked me to say a few words as the award was being presented:

From the days I travelled Ireland with their guidebooks tucked into the glove compartment of my first car, the years I’ve spent as a contributing editor, time spent slipping around on a West Cork beach as Sally educated me about seaweed and also being introduced to the joys of a cup of tea from a Kelly kettle following a dip in the Atlantic, I’ve never not been learning from the McKennas. Their generosity, openness and encouragement to other food writers, producers, chefs and those involved in the food world is legendary. They make you believe that you can achieve – and so we do.

***

I finally got my vintage copy of their 1989 Irish Food Guide signed too.

Well done to organisers Suzanne Campbell and Paul O’Connor for putting so much work in to celebrate and focus attention on Irish food writing. Suzanne spoke on Sharon Noonan‘s Best Possible Taste podcast recently about why it’s important to pay for good journalism. Listen here: Soundcloud.com – Best Possible Taste

2023 winners of the Irish Food Writing Awards

Irish Food or Drink Podcast, judged by Nigel Barden
Sponsored by Sharon Noonan
Winner: Spice Bags Podcast

Cookery Writing Award, judged by Ed Smith
Sponsored by Ardkeen Grocery
Winner: Beth O’Brien, Irish Times

Writing on Irish Food Producers, judged by Charlotte Pike
Sponsored by Certified Irish Angus
Winner: Marie Claire Digby, Irish Times

Investigative Writing, judged by Dan Saladino
Sponsored by Drummond House Garlic
Winners Maria Delaney, Geela Garcia and Louise Lawless of Noteworthy.ie

Writing on Seafood Award
Sponsored by Glenmar Shellfish
Winner Janine Kennedy, Irish Country Living

Emerging Voice in Irish Food Writing, judged by Charlotte Pike
Sponsored by Clayton Hotels
Winner: Shamin deBrun, Char Food Guide

Irish Food Magazine/Supplement Award, judged by Mina Holland
Sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland
Winner: Irish Times Magazine

Food Photography (professional category), judged by Joann Pai
Sponsored by Odaois Foods
Winner: Ruth Calder-Potts

Food Photography (amateur category), judged by Joann Pai
Sponsored by Odaois Foods
Winner: Sapana Behl

Irish Food Blog Award, judged by Robb Walsh
Sponsored by Pestle+Mortar sauces
Winner: Botanical Cuisine Digest, Technical University Dublin

Restaurant Feature Writing, judged by Felicity Cloake
Sponsored by Safco Fine Foods
Winner: Marie Claire Digby, Irish Times

Writing on Sustainability in Irish Food Award, judged by Catherine Mack
Winner: Caroline Hennessy, The Examiner

Cookbook of The Year Award, judged by Colman Andrews
Sponsored by Gather & Gather
Winner: Paradiso: recipes and reflections by Dennis Cotter

Wine Writing Award, judged by Fiona Beckett
Sponsored by Whelehans Wines
Winner: Mick O’Connell, Food and Wine Magazine

Spirits Writing Award, judged by Rachel McCormack
Sponsored by Powerscourt Distillery
Winner: Janine Kennedy, Irish Country Living

Beer Writing Award, judged by Richard Croasdale
Sponsored by Franciscan Well
Winner: Gary Law, Belfast Telegraph

Culinary Student Award, judged by Jess Murphy and Gareth Mullins
Sponsored by Kerrygold
Winner: Gavin McDonagh, Technical University Dublin

Food Writing Award, judged by Deborah Reid
Sponsored by Bord Bia.
Winner: Aoife Carrigy, Irish Independent

Writing on International Cuisines, judged by Anjula Devi
Sponsored by Ruchii Blackrock.
Winner: Vritti Bansal, Irish Times

Irish Food on Instagram/Tiktok Award, judged by Andy Clarke
Sponsored by Coole Swan.
Winner: Char Food Guide

Restaurant Critic Award, judged by Xanthe Clay and Tom Parker Bowles
Sponsored by Safco Fine Foods.
Winner: Joe McNamee, Irish Examiner

Outstanding Achievement in Food Writing Award
Sponsored by James Whelan Butchers.
Winner: John and Sally McKenna

Irish Food Writing Awards wins
IFWA2022: Writing on Irish Food Producers
Irish Food Writing Awards 2021: Online Writing Award

Last shot of the night (in the bathroom at the Merrion Hotel’s Cellar Bar!): me in my sustainable party outfit with an Orla Kiely x People Tree dress from Self Help Africa Mitchelstown + sequined shrug and silver Clarks’ shoes that I picked up in St Vincent de Paul, Mitchelstown and Cork.