Leitrim’s five finalists for Blas na hÉireann: McNiffe’s reflect on their award journey

The Irish Food Awards, Blas na hÉireann, is set to take place this Autumn from October 3 until October 5 in Dingle. The awards attracts thousands of food and drink producers across Ireland, all eager to impress the judges for a shot at prestigious titles like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer.

This year, five Leitrim producers have made it to the final. The Leitrim finalists are Artessa, Blakes Always Organic Ltd, Dromod Boxty, Ireland West Distillery and McNiffes Boxty.

Some of these finalists have participated in the competition in previous years, picking up awards along the way. In 2023, McNiffe’s Boxty won Best in County and Dromod Boxty earned the title in 2020.

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Aoife Ryan, QA Manager of McNiffe’s Bakery shared her gratitude for making the final once again for Blas na hÉireann 2024.

“It is an incredible honour and a privilege to be listed as a finalist in such a prestigious award, Blas na hÉireann for us at McNiffes is the utmost and highest recognition for our products,” Ms Ryan said.

“It is a true achievement and reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire team at McNiffes, who have enormous pride in the products and business. 

We are very proud to be part of the Blas na hÉireann family of producers after taking home four awards last year; Gold, Silver, Bronze and Best in County.

“To be listed again this year as a finalist is just incredible and is a wonderful tribute to both the quality and taste of our products and the dedication and passion of our team,” she added.

The competition’s entries increase year on year, with over 3,000 applicants in 2023. Producers who manage to be shortlisted as finalists truly represent the pinnacle of Irish food and drink.

“The recognition of the awards at Blas na hÉireann for us is of significant value on both a personal and business level.

“Behind the scenes we understand the quality that goes into making our products and the substantial care and consideration we take each day to ensure that our products are the best possible quality,” Ms Ryan explained.

“So it is an incredible honour when our efforts are recognised and considered in a blind tasting amongst the finest food producers in Ireland, especially considering the staggering number of entries into the awards. 

“To make it as a finalist is a true achievement and reflection of the hard work and dedication of the food producers who are clearly incredibly dedicated and have an undeniable passion for their products and business.”

Aoife explained that winning a Blas na hÉireann award is an incredible achievement and a significant morale boost for both owners and staff. Displaying a gold, silver, or bronze Blas logo on their products serves as a symbol of the producer's quality and high standards, reassuring customers of their excellence.

For newcomers, these awards can boost confidence in purchasing, acting as a trusting mark of approval.

“We are looking forward to the awards ceremony again this year and delighted to be a part of the Blas na hÉireann 2024 finalists, we wish everyone the very best of luck in what is sure to be another wonderful event in Dingle,” Ms Ryan concluded.

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Best of luck to all Leitrim finalists in this year's Blas na hÉireann awards, in Dingle, Co, Kerry.