Brendan Jennings, Director of Services, Cavan County Council; Norbert Neylon, Created in Cavan Network; Domni Kemp, food writer and chef; James Burke, facilitator; Siobhan Sheils, Food Strategy Co-ordinator with Cavan County Council. PHOTOS: Sean McMahon

Next chapter for Cavan food and drink

Members of the Cavan Food Network and the public came together at Murph’s Gastro Pub in Butlersbridge recently for an evening focused on Cavan food and drink under the theme 'The Next Chapter'.

Under the brand of Created in Cavan, the evening featured guest speakers award-winning food writer and chef Domini Kemp and Gerry Sheridan, founder of Ice Cream Treats, a local success story.

Guests were treated to a showcase of food and drinks from local producers such as Sushi Mania, Drummully Boxty, Herd Butchery, Moran’s Mega Jam, Inis Escargot, Barry John’s Sausages, Fitzpatrick’s Gourmet Ketchup, Cully’s Craft Bakery, Vanilla Bean Patisserie, Corleggy Cheese, Charlene’s Wholesome Pantry, Mary Ellen’s Meadow, Bog Boy Booch and Scott’s Apple Juice.

Brendan Jennings, Director of Services, Planning, Community, and Economic Development with Cavan County Council, reflected on the story of Created in Cavan thus far.

He explained how the Cavan Food Network was born out of the success of the Taste of Cavan Food Festival. Mr Jennings explained that, since its inception, membership of the network has grown significantly. It now boasts over 60 members, hailing the collaborative ecosystem that has developed among the members that are growing, producing, preparing, and serving Cavan food and drinks.

Norbert Neylon, chairperson of the network, spoke about the importance of working together within the network, urging “let’s all be proud of what we do and where we come from.”

On the night, Siobhán Sheils, Cavan County Council's food strategy co-ordinator, and network chair Norbert Neylon, presented cheques for €1,000 each to three charities. The funds were the proceeds of the sale of the 'Created in Cavan' cookbook. The beneficiaries were Cavan Autism Parents’ Support (CAPS), Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club and Cuan Cancer Support.

Facilitator James Burke brought attendees through the new action plan for the network, outlining the mission, vision, and the four pillars on which the plan is based. He then introduced Gerry Sheridan, founder of Ice Cream Treats, to speak on his journey over the past number of years.

The last speaker of the evening was Domini Kemp, who spoke of her new enterprises, Nancy Hand’s and Lottie’s. She spoke about hospitality and service and the need to build better experiences. “Created in Cavan is about food and drinks but also about the people and the experience we give to visitors,” she explained.

Attendees continued to enjoy an evening of networking, sharing insights, and creating ideas for Cavan's evolving food story.

For more information on the Created in Cavan brand just visit their website on www.createdincavan.ie

To enquire about membership, contact food@cavancoco.ie