The ploughing might be the main attraction, but for many attendees the food is one of the highlights of the annual trip to the National Ploughing Championships (this year taking place in Ratheniska, Stradbally, Co Laois).
Neven Maguire has become one of Ireland’s most popular chefs, and has cooked for well-known personalities such as Princess Diana, Tony Blair and our own Mary McAleese. His hotel and restaurant McNean House in Cavan has become one of Ireland’s most popular fine dining destinations, with spaces booking out months in advance.
Alongside McNean House, his cookbooks and TV work, the always busy Neven always finds the time to put in an annual appearance at the Ploughing Championships. This year he will again be conducting cooking demonstrations at the Irish Farmers’ Journal stand.
Neven joined Ivan and Chris this morning to discuss all things food. You can listen back to Neven’s interview through the player above.
Speaking about McNeans, he said “we’ve had a particularly fantastic year, very well booked up. Mainly all Irish: a few Americans, but mostly Irish”. In terms of the wider Irish tourism industry and The Gathering, Neven suggested “for sure it’s been working… people will travel. It’s amazing the reputation we have. People are coming to Ireland, not alone for the craic and the good fun and the beautiful country we have, but for the food, and it’s fantastic.”
However, Neven also believes it’s important for the Government to stick with a lower VAT rate, saying “I think the bigger picture is you lose jobs, and I definitely think it will affect the tourism industry” if an increase in rates is to be introduced.
Neven has released a new cookbook Neven’s Country Living Volume 2 - his tenth book - and was keen to stress the need for getting kids and families involved in food preparation and cooking. “That’s the big thing,” he observed. “For me in the last year I’ve cooked so much at home for my twins, and seeing their expressions when they’re tasting different ingredients... it’s incredible for a chef.”
(Image: Neven Maguire)
