Athlone foodies honoured at Connaught final of Irish Restaurant Awards

The Connaught regional final of the Irish Restaurant Awards took place last night (Wednesday) and saw three awards being presented to food businesses on the Roscommon side of Athlone.

Martin Duffy of the Athlone Springs Hotel won the award for 'best chef' in Roscommon, while Mike Waldron, founder of Waldron Family Meats in Brideswell, was the recipient of the county's 'local food hero' honour.

In addition, the Athlone Golf Club Restaurant received the award for 'best casual dining' in Roscommon.

The awards event, held at the Knockranny House Hotel in Westport, was a celebration of food and hospitality in Connaught and drew a crowd of almost 650 attendees.

The Irish Restaurant Awards – now in their 15th year – received over 160,000 nominations from the public for restaurants, cafés, and other food service establishments across the country this year.

Nominations were made through the website of the Irish Restaurant Awards’ media partner, The Irish Times.

In addition to the Athlone winners, a number of businesses in Roscommon town received recognition on the night.

Rogue & Co Café in the county town was named 'best café' in Roscommon, while The Coachman's Inn, on Castle Street, was named 'best newcomer'.

Lauren Walsh of Regan's Gastro Pub and Restaurant in Roscommon town won the 'employee excellence award' for the county.

The Purple Onion Kitchen in Tarmonbarry, meanwhile, won the award for 'best restaurant' in Roscommon.

After the county winners were named last night, attention now turns to the provincial and All Ireland honours which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards gala dinner at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin in May.