Kelly’s of Newport, gold medallists. Pictured areArtie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann (left) with Sean Kelly and sponsor from Total Food Machines David Henderson.

Ten Mayo winners at annual Blás food awards

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The eagerly anticipated finals of Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, now in their 18th year and firmly established as the largest and most influential food awards on the island of Ireland, have taken place in Dingle.

Foxford Café, winners of Best in County Award at the Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards held in Dingle Co. Kerry.Pictured are Nicola Kennedy Mayo LEO, Joe English, Meath LEO and Fallon Moore, Blas na hÉireann.

Thirteen producers from Mayo were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with 10 of them taking home coveted Blas awards.

O’Hara’s Foxford, silver medallists. Pictured is Julie O'Hara with John Sheehy, Blas na hÉireann and Colin Lavery, Andrew’s Ingredients, sponsor.

The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county included:

Baker 51 Cafe, Foxford Cafe, Hanley Catering, Jack & Eddie's, Jackita Investments Limited c/s The Storehouse Bakery, Kelly's of Newport (Artisan Butchers) Ltd., Mescan Brewery, O'Donoghues Bakery, O'Hara's Bakery and Velvet Cloud.

Hanley Catering, silver medallists. Pictured are: David Chandler category sponsor from Blenders, with Michael Hanley, Ann Marie Hanley, and Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann. Photo: Robbie Reynolds

Foxford Cafe was awarded Best in County, proudly sponsored by Mayo Local Enterprise Office.

"A huge congratulations to all the businesses honoured in this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards, especially the recipient of the Best in County title, Foxford Cafe,” said Head of Enterprise, John Magee.

Jack and Eddies, Westport, bronze medallists.Pictured are Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann (left) with Kaiya O’Malley, Ray O’Malley, Gerald Kirwan, Danielle O’Malley, Indie O’Malleyand Sponsor from Total Food Machines David Henderson.

“These awards highlight the exceptional quality and diversity of Mayo’s producers, who continue to showcase the richness and innovation of our local food and drink sector."

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hÉireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, chairperson of Blas na hÉireann, said “Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception.

Mescan Brewery, gold medallists. Pictured are John Sheehy, Blas na hÉireann, Naomi Clarkin, Cillian Ó’ Morán and Sponsor Maria Svejdar, GS1 Ireland. Photo: Andrew Watchorn

"To see such talented producers from Co. Mayo represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Ireland’s food producers.

O’Donoghue’s Bakery, Belmullet, bronze medallists.Pictured are John Sheehy, Blas na hÉireann, Eva Reilly, Paul Reilly, Sharon Nallen, andsponsor Colin Lavery, Andrew’s Ingredients.

"Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.”

Velvet Cloud, Claremorris, silver medallists.Pictured are Artie Clifford, Blas na hÉireann, with Michael Flanagan and sponsor from Cross Rental Services Terry O’Dwyer. Phto: Robbie Reynolds

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