Strictly for Apple Tart eaters!

If you enjoy apple tarts, the Oldcastle Agricultural Show has a treat for you, so to speak.

This year they are hosting the ‘All Ireland Apple Tart Eating Competition’ for the first time, “strictly for amateurs,” adds organiser John Smith with a grin.

Held annually to promote a rural tradition that showcases the local organisations, businesses and the farming community while providing a fun family day out, the Show organisers wanted to offer something dfferent.

“It is an agricultural show, but it has developed over time, so we wanted to introduce something especially for families,” says John. It was Michael Gilsenan, the show’s chief poultry steward, who came up with this “mad idea” of organising a tart-eating-competition.

John hopes to run 10 heats with people from all over Ireland competing. Whoever gobbles up their tart quickest, advances to the final.

“So the maximum any contestant will eat is two apple tarts,” explains John, reassuring potential candidates that they won’t be judged on quantity, but on speed. Also, making it a bit more guiltfree to indulge.

The apple tarts have kindly been sponsored by Manorhill Bakery in Kilcogy.

Fiona O’Reilly suggests to grab a big spoon while eating their nine inch tarts that were made with “love and care in the oldfashioned way” with fresh cut apples and no additives. She hopes that people will still want to eat them after this contest is done, she quips.

The winner takes home €1,000 and everyone else at least got a good taste of the home-baked apple tart. Entries are €10 per person on www.oldcastleshow.ie/enter-classes

The Oldcastle Show takes place on Sunday, July 20.

Watch out next week for The Anglo-Celt’s reporter’s take on the Apple Tart competition.