Santina Kennedy, Wicklow Naturally Co-Ordinator wins prestigious Blas na hÉireann award

Santina Kennedy, Co-Ordinator of the Wicklow Naturally Food Network has been chosen as one of three Producers Champions at this years Blas na hÉireann, Irish Food Awards. Santina is a food consultant and curator with a talent for bringing Irish food and drink to life through unforgettable experiences. From creating immersive dining experiences at the National Gallery of Ireland to her role as MC at the Tinahely Show, Santina always places Wicklow’s produce centre stage.

Santina is a well known advocate for local and artisan producers and she continuously and consistently shines a spotlight on the Wicklow Naturally producers, spreading their names far and wide. As Co-Ordinator of Wicklow Naturally she continually highlights all that Wicklow and it’s producers have to offer.

The Producers Champion title is awarded each year based on nominations from within the Blas na hÉireann network and is chosen directly by Irish producers from all over the country. It celebrates those who go above and beyond to support, elevate and promote Irish food and drink. Previous winners include Darina and Rachel Allen, Rory O’ Connell, John and Sally Mc Kenna, Neven Maguire, Jess Murphy, Kate Ryan, Conor Spacey, Brian Mc Dermott, Laura Bradley and Johnny Mc Dowell and Simon Coveney.

Paul Smith, Chair of the Wicklow Naturally Board said, “On behalf of Wicklow Naturally, I extend our warmest congratulations to Santina Kennedy on being named an Irish Food Champion for 2025. Santina’s passion, dedication, and commitment to sustainable food practices and community engagement truly embody the spirit of Irish food culture. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding work, and we are incredibly proud to have her as part of our food and drink network. Congratulations, Santina — your achievement inspires us all.”

Speaking about her win, Santina Kennedy said, “I love my work championing the food producers of Ireland through experiences and events, and I particularly love to showcase the produce of my home county of Wicklow. Throughout my 5 plus years of association with Wicklow Naturally – as a volunteer, Board Director, advocate and coordinator – it always gives me such satisfaction to see visitors to County Wicklow experience a real taste of this beautiful county through the food and drink on their table. I can honestly say I am particularly proud of the quality of food and drink from Wicklow Naturally producers, and we are a county that is particularly abundant in high quality produce.”

Image 1: Santina Kennedy

Image 2: Blas na hÉireann team Fallon Moore, Organiser of Blas 2025, Producers Champions, Anthony O’Toole, Santina Kennedy, Caroline Hennessy, Artie Clifford Chairman Blas na hÉireann.

Images courtesy of Blas na hÉireann and photographer Joleen Cronin