Is there any end to the talents of Clogher Valley Meats in Tyrone?

They’ve just triumphed again at the European Sausage Awards held in Alencon in France. They have received a Grand Prix d’Honnuer for both their traditional pork sausage and their gourmet sausage. The presentation will take place in France in November. They are the only Food NI member to have won such a prestigious international award two years in a row.

They have also reached the final of the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Retailer Awards for Butcher Shop of the year. The award ceremony is being held on Friday evening in Belfast.

If that weren’t enough, they are the Northern Ireland Finalist for the Butchers Shop of the Year, with the award ceremony being held in London next month.
Owner Kieran Meehan says “It’s been a fantastic year for us and it isn’t over yet”.

RICHHILL will be a hive of activity later this month as locals will be welcoming artisan food and drink producers to the Village Square to celebrate the county’s famous apples.

The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre, which will take place on October 25, is an authentic celebration of Armagh’s distinctive local food and drink and celebrates the Armagh Bramley which achieved PGI status in 2012.
Chefs, food and drink producers, people from the world of local arts and crafts will put on a spectacular display of Co Armagh charm which will celebrate the natural beauty of Armagh’s orchard country and Richhill’s built heritage.

Cllr Jim Speers joined Helen Troughton of Armagh Cider Company, Hamilton Loney, chairman of the Northern Ireland Fruit Growers Association, Assumpta O’Neill from Armagh City and District Council, Chef Mervyn Steenson from Groucho’s and Clive Gordon, chairman of the festival committee, to launch the event on Thursday. (October 2, 2014)
Cllr Speers said: “This event has all the hallmarks of what could become an annual celebration for the village of Richhill and the surrounding communities. It’s a community event whereby we can all enjoy a day which celebrates the Bramley Apple, our food and drink producers and their contribution to the overall economy.”
The event, which is sponsored by Irwins Bakery, Wilsons Country and Gilfresh, runs from 10am-6pm and will feature cookery demonstrations, apple peeling contests, an Armagh Bramley apple tart competition, music from local school choirs, a hog roast and tea dance.

Hamilton Loney said this year is shaping up to be a good harvest for Armagh Bramleys.
He said: “There is a lot to celebrate about the Armagh Bramley. Since it got PGI status we can celebrate the apple’s versatility and why it is known as the number one apple in the world. There are going to be plenty of apples this year and Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is the perfect way to celebrate this.”
This celebration will also put Co Armagh on the map as a great place for ‘experiential tourism’.

Sara McGeary, Tourism Development Officer, Armagh City & District Council said: “Food tourism plays such an important part of the overall visitor experience for any destination. We are so fortunate here in Armagh that we have an abundance of delicious produce, including the Armagh Bramley, which was awarded PGI status in 2012. The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will undoubtedly be an incredible showcase for visitors wishing to sample our rich food heritage.”

Admission to the event is free and people can also pick up recipe books, learn about beekeeping and if you have apples in your garden but don’t know their identity, experts will be on hand to put a name to the apple.

The moment you have all been waiting for, our recipe competition is now open.
We are looking for Northern Irelands greatest recipes, from the smallest home kitchen cook to the biggest commercial culinary genius we want your ideas!

Whether you want to try Cabrito, Free Range Rose Veal, Rabbit, Venison, Duck, Pheasant or even Seaweed we have a place for you right somewhere in our book.

Take Part
In case you’re not convinced, everyone is in with a chance of being published, if we like the recipe and it wins then you WIN the free cookbook. If you enter and you don’t win, don’t worry, as we are offering a special discount for all who take part!

Please send all applications to competition@broughgammon.com before 12/10/2014

Are you feeling charitable this Festive Season? For the past few years, Cancer Fund for Children have run a campaign called Make A Change which asks restaurant customers to make a small donation at the end of their meal. The customers donation will Make A Change to the lives of local children living with cancer.

The restaurant will benefit from PR before and after the campaign, ensuring their customers recognise them as a caring business, supporting a local charity.

Cancer Fund for Children will supply branding to let customers know that you are taking part in the campaign and promote their involvement via social media channels. In the past, participating restaurants have added an optional £1 donation to their customers bill automatically, so it’s easy to take part.

In the past Deanes, HOME Pop Up and Mourne Seafood Bar have all taken part in the campaign, and it has raised over £9,000. This year we’re hoping to raise even more to support local children and families affected by cancer.

Anyone who is interested in taking part, please contact, 028 9080 5599 or email sorcha@cancerfundforchildren.com