Wicklow Naturally’s October Feasts Student Challenge 2022 winners announced

In 2022 Wicklow Naturally once again ran its October Feast Schools Challenge. Students were invited to design a 3-course menu or school lunch item using ingredients produced or made in County Wicklow. There are two categories which consist of Transition Year students and the other is for fifth and sixth-class students from primary school.

Today (Monday, January 30th 2023), Wicklow Naturally announces the 2022 competition winners. The winners were chosen by a panel of professionals.

Sixth-class student Mia Finan from Lacken National School, Blessington Co. Wicklow won first place for her 3-course menu consisting of vegetable soup served with a slice of local Artisan bread as a starter, for mains she chose Wicklow lamb chops stuffed with a jús and home-made mint sauce followed by a rhubarb and apple tart served with ice cream and a raspberry couli.

Four further projects from Lacken National School were also recognised by the Wicklow Naturally judging panel and they include Aela Coughlan and Lorelei Smith who came in joint second place while Éabha Anderson and Isabella Duggan came in joint third place.

Wicklow Naturally’s coordinator, Paul Smith, said, “Congratulations to all of the participating schools and winners who took part in our student challenge last year. I was impressed by the student’s ability to create some fantastic new menus using ingredients produced or made in County Wicklow. This enthusiastic cohort of students encouraged healthy food choices, some great recipes and some really impressive use of different locally sourced produce. Thanks also to the teachers and staff of the Lacken National School who helped coordinate entries”.

Each winner received a certificate of achievement with first place winner Mia Finan representing their school at the Taste of Wicklow 2023 where she will recreate their 3-course menu/lunch item with assistance from a surprise celebrity chef. Read more about all of the winner’s projects below.

“Wicklow Naturally is proud to support and nurture the voices of the next generation. We know that students can express themselves and demonstrate knowledge in new ways and our student challenge allows this to happen while helping them to develop healthy eating habits that can last well into the future. We’re really looking forward to increased participation in the student challenge which will take place in the autumn as part of the October Feast 2023 celebrations,” concluded Paul.

Download the winning menus: 

1. Mia Finan’s menu
2. Aela Coughlan’s menu
3. Lorelei Smith’s menu
4. Éabha Anderson’s menu
5. Isabella Duggan’s menu

About October Feast

October Feast is about telling the story of Wicklow Naturally’s members, promoting sustainability messages, letting people know what we do and showcasing the beautiful food and drink products from County Wicklow.

October Feast is supported by Wicklow County Council, County Wicklow Partnership, LEADER Programme, Wicklow Local Enterprise Office, and Fáilte Ireland.

About Wicklow Naturally

Wicklow Naturally is the single promotional voice that tells the story of food and drink produced in County Wicklow. It is a brand created to celebrate the food and drink producers who work hard to deliver high-quality products to consumers through the hospitality sector, retail, food and drink events and essential tourism events.