IN PICTURES: Leitrim winners in Connaught Hospitality Awards announced

The Irish Restaurant Awards Connaught Regional Final took place in recent day, celebrating the outstanding contributions of the food and hospitality industry across the province.

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The awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, 8th of April, at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Rosses Point, Sligo where county winners were announced.

With over 500 in attendance, the event honoured the dedication and excellence of the hospitality sector throughout Connaught. Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received nearly 165,000 public nominations, submitted through The Irish Times, the official media partner of the awards.

The loudest cheer of the night came for Mary Burke of Cryan’s Hotel who won employee excellence award for Leitrim. She was accompanied by a large group of colleagues and friends on what was a special night for Mary.

As the regional finals come to an end, anticipation builds for the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner, where both regional and overall national winners will be revealed. The grand event is set to take place on Monday, May 19th, at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. County winners from Connaught can now secure their tickets for what promises to be a great evening.

Speaking at the ceremony, Seán Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “Tonight, we celebrate the remarkable dedication, creativity and resilience of those working in Connaught’s hospitality sector. Over the past year, this industry has faced significant challenges, but it is the passion and perseverance of its people that continue to drive it forward. From chefs and café owners to front-of-house teams and food innovators, their commitment brings Ireland’s food culture to life every day.

The Connaught Regional Awards shine a spotlight on the talent and innovation that make this region such a vital part of our culinary landscape. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, your hard work keeps this industry thriving.”

Best Restaurant - Sponsored by San Miguel

• Galway: Lignum
• Leitrim: The Cottage Restaurant
• Mayo: An Port Mór
•  Roscommon: The Old Stone House
•  Sligo: Eala Bhán

Best Chef - Sponsored by BWG Food Service

• Galway: Alice Jary, Rúibín Bar & Restaurant
• Leitrim: Sonata Horkan, The Red Bank Restaurant
• Mayo: Yvonne Kathrein, Poacher Restaurant
• Roscommon: Ray O'Connor, The Old Stone House
• Sligo: Paudie O'Brien, The Driftwood

Best Restaurant Manager - Sponsored by Elavon

• Galway: Maude Heslin-Brick, Dela Restaurant
• Leitrim: Jacinta Callaghan, The Oarsman
• Mayo: Shirley Stirzaker, Dining Room
• Roscommon: Navrish Audit, Keenan's of Tarmonbarry
• Sligo: Declan Harrison, Harrison's Bar & Restaurant

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant - Sponsored by Frylite

• Galway: Owenmore Restaurant at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel
• Leitrim: The Sandstone Restaurant at Lough Rynn Castle
• Mayo: George V at Ashford Castle
• Roscommon: The Douglas Hyde Restaurant at Kilronan Castle
• Sligo: Markree Castle

Best Use of Social Media

• Galway: Urban Fire
• Leitrim: Buffalo Boy
• Mayo: Mam's
• Roscommon: The Douglas Hyde Restaurant at Kilronan Castle
• Sligo: Hooked

Employee Excellence Award - Sponsored by Peninsula

• Galway: Jamie Farrell, The Connacht Hotel
• Leitrim: Mary Burke, Cryans Hotel
• Mayo: Jason Moyles, The Cot and Cobble
• Roscommon: Dylan Garvey, The Coachman’s Inn
• Sligo: Emma Cavanagh, Nook Cafe and Restaurant

Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace

• Galway: Guys Seafood Bar
• Leitrim: The Brandywell
• Mayo: Friends Bistro
• Roscommon: Hester's Golden Eagle Bar & Restaurant
• Sligo: Shells Cafe

Best Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Paynt

• Galway: McSwiggans
• Leitrim: The Oarsman
• Mayo: The Cot and Cobble
• Roscommon: The Purple Onion
• Sligo: Austies Pub & Kitchen

Best Café

• Galway: POTA
• Leitrim: Jinny's Tearooms
• Mayo: This Must Be The Place
• Roscommon: The Comfy Café
• Sligo: The Jam Pot Cafe

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine - Sponsored by FBD Insurance

• Galway: Blackrock Cottage
• Leitrim: The Lavender Restaurant
• Mayo: Amethyst Bar
• Roscommon: The Waterfront Restaurant
• Sligo: Lyons Café

Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Square

• Galway: Oifig An Fish
• Leitrim: FIKA
• Mayo: La Casa
• Roscommon: Nana Anne's Cafe
• Sligo: Oak Moon Cafe

Pub of the Year - Sponsored by istil.38

• Galway: Lowry's Bar
• Leitrim: Flynn's Bar
• Mayo: Matt Molloy's
• Roscommon: J.C. Doorly's – The Corner House
• Sligo: Shoot the Crows

Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Bibendum

• Galway: Daróg Wine Bar
• Leitrim: The Red Bank Restaurant
• Mayo: The Kitchen Restaurant at Mount Falcon Estate
• Roscommon: The Douglas Hyde Restaurant at Kilronan Castle
• Sligo: The Coral Restaurant at Diamond Coast Hotel

Best Customer Service - Sponsored by Restaurant-insurance.ie provided by Dolmen

• Galway: Frends Restaurant
• Leitrim: The Selkie
• Mayo: Arno's Bistrot
• Roscommon: Lovage Bistro
• Sligo: Davis' Restaurant & Yeats Tavern

Best World Cuisine

• Galway: Mama Rich Woodquay
• Leitrim: Spice India
• Mayo: Olde Bridge Restaurant
• Roscommon: ZAIQA Restaurant
• Sligo: Stoked

Best Sustainable Practices - Sponsored by Familia Torres

• Galway: Kali Coffee Bar
• Leitrim: Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway
• Mayo: Cloona Health Retreat
• Roscommon: Josie’s Cafe
• Sligo: Honestly Farm Kitchen

Innovator of the Year - Sponsored by Diageo

• Galway: Ugly D’s Pizza
• Leitrim: The Red Bank Restaurant
• Mayo: Jimmys
• Roscommon: Éabha’s Street Kitchen
• Sligo: The Little Cottage Cafe

Local Food Hero - Sponsored by Sugar Snap

• Galway: Margaret Leahy, Fable Tours
• Leitrim: Áine Faughnan, Dromod Boxty
• Mayo: The Calvey Family, Calveys Achill Mountain Lamb
• Roscommon: Tímea Kovacs, Healthy Bake Limited
• Sligo: The Sligo Food Trail Network