Local secondary school student Marian Walsh from Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy has been named as one of the finalists in the ‘Fine Dine at Mine’ All-Island Schools Cookery Competition 2014.

Marian has been paired up with a chef from The Grand Hotel in the town who will mentor her on her dish, flavours and presentation in advance of the final cook-off on the 6th and 7th of May in St Angela’s College, Sligo.

The competition provides secondary school students with an opportunity to be work with professionals and learn the tricks of the trade. The local chefs mentoring the students also provides them with an opportunity to cook and eat the best quality food produced in their local areas.

It also gives students an opportunity to create tasty, healthy and affordable restaurant meals at home.  Students were asked to submit their favourite restaurant meal (main course dish only) for two people. Over 1,400 applications were received from all over the country and are now narrowed down to the last 32 (16 junior cycle and 16 senior cycle).