Southern Regional College (SRC) held a memorable evening on Tuesday night at the Graduate Restaurant at Newry East Campus to commemorate a successful year in Hospitality and Tourism.
The department’s staff and students have secured a multitude of awards and accomplishments which include gold, silver, and bronze medals at IFEX, finalist recognition in the FutureChef Competition, Lecturer of the Year and Student Management Potential Award at the Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Awards, and success at the NI Travel and Tourism Awards. The ceremony saw each recipient being recognised and honoured for their achievements.
Michelle Moore, Curriculum Area Manager for Hospitality and Tourism at SRC, served as the master of ceremonies, welcoming esteemed guests Aaron Logan, Northern Ireland Regional Chair of the Institute of Hospitality, Stephen Brothers, Executive Chef, Ballyedmond Castle & Corby Castle, Dean Coppard, Executive Chef, Omniplex Ireland and Eugene Rooney, the Conference & Banqueting Manager from Killeavy Castle Estate. During the ceremony, Eugene delivered an inspiring address to guests, encouraging students to take pride in their accomplishments and embrace opportunities for growth by exploring the vast landscape of hospitality.
Achievements include:
| Student | Achievement | Awarding Body |
| Annabelle Hughes | Gold Medal – Risotto Chef of the Year NI & Bronze Medal in Culinary Arts at WorldSkills | IFEX |
| TJ Cashel O’Farrell | Gold Medal- Culinary Ability Award | IFEX |
| Ross Smyth | Silver Medal- Junior Duck | IFEX |
| Darragh Byrne | Silver Medal- Young Seafood Chef of the Year/ Best in Class | IFEX |
| Sophie Keenan | Silver Medal- Contemporary Hot Starter | IFEX |
| Rory Kavanagh | Silver Medal- Junior Poultry | IFEX |
| Ben Webber | Bronze Medal- Junior Duck | IFEX |
| Thomas McCrink | Bronze Medal- Contemporary Dessert | IFEX |
| Sam Thompson | Bronze Medal- Junior Poultry | IFEX |
| Lubo Mulkerns | Finalist at the FutureChef Competition | Future Chef |
| Claire Ward | Student Management Potential Award | Institute of Hospitality |
| Sinead Larkin | Finalist in the NI Travel & Tourism Student of the Year Awards | NI Travel and Tourism Awards |
| Staff | Achievement | |
| Keith Campbell | Lecturer of the Year Award | Institute of Hospitality |
| Sinead Boyle | Runner up for the Lecturer of the Year Award | Institute of Hospitality |
| Caroline Chambers | Institute of Hospitality “Hearts in Hospitality” Award | Institute of Hospitality |
Matt Turner, Head of Faculty for Professional Services at Southern Regional College commented:
“I’m thrilled to celebrate the College’s exceptional achievements in Hospitality and Tourism this year. The dedication and commitment shown by both our staff and students has been truly remarkable. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists; it’s incredibly rewarding to see all their efforts being recognised”.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 