Success for Our Lady’s Secondary School in All-Ireland Healthy Home Chef Cookery Competition

Our Lady’s Secondary School is proud to celebrate the incredible success of 3rd Year student Ilia Mc Ardle, who achieved 2nd place in the prestigious All-Ireland Healthy Home Chef Cookery Competition, held recently at St. Angela’s College, Sligo.

Selected from over 600 entries from all 32 counties, Ilia distinguished herself in the Junior Category. Her menu showcased exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of healthy cooking. She prepared grilled minced lamb skewers, roasted chickpeas and vegetables, homemade flatbread, tzatziki dressing, and red pepper hummus—all within the competition's time constraints. Judges highly commended her for the bold and balanced flavours she produced.

Ilia’s achievement brought a wealth of prizes to herself and the school. She secured 15 sets of Neven Maguire's professional kitchen equipment for the Home Economics department, a week of work experience at McNean’s Bistro in Blacklion, a signed copy of Home Economics for Life by Neven Maguire, a commemorative medal and apron, and an invitation to Dunnes Stores’ Simply Better HQ in Dublin this September to create dishes with Neven for the popular product range. Ilia and her teacher Ms. Bruen also received €250 Dunnes Stores vouchers in recognition of their efforts and teamwork throughout the competition.

Speaking about the achievement, Principal Mr. Kelly commented: “Ilia’s success is a source of immense pride for our entire school community. Her dedication, creativity, and composure were truly impressive. I would also like to sincerely thank Ms. Bruen for her outstanding guidance and support in preparing Ilia for this national competition.”