Shane Smith
Chef Shane Smith—an award-winning Irish master pastry chef whose career spans over two decades. Shane began his culinary journey at just 16 and specialized in pastry at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, graduating with distinction. Over 23 years, he has worked in leading pastry kitchens both in Ireland and abroad, earning accolades such as “Best Bakery Manager in Ireland” and being named among Ireland’s “Top 10 Pastry Chefs” by Food & Wine magazine
Beyond kitchens, Shane is a prominent culinary educator and media personality serving as a brand ambassador for Kenwood Ireland and Gem Pack Foods, contributing regular segments on RTÉ One’s The Today Show, and writing for national publications tasteofwicklow.ie, Kenwood World, NorthernSound, Anglo Celt. In 2022, he launched his own Online Cookery School to share his expertise with aspiring bakers and pastry chefs
Daniel Willimont - Kilronan Castle
Daniel returns to Strokestown for this years food fair and we're delighted that he can join us and he'll be cooking up a storm for everyone in the demonstration area.
Daniel is Executive Head Chef at the highly acclaimed Kilronan Castle. Originally from the UK Daniel began his career in the industry by attending The Royal College of Catering in Cheltenham, England. He spent his weekends doing extra stages in kitchens alongside Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsey as well as reputable Bakeries and Butchers gaining valuable experience that would stand with him throughout his professional career in the Kitchen.
He began his career in the Hotel & Catering industry in fine dining restaurants and hotels, in the beautiful scenic region of the Cotswolds, England. Daniels plan was to temporarily re-locate to Ireland in 2003 after finishing work in a 2 Michelin Star restaurant he wanted to re-charge his batteries and focus on his international travels. His mother originally from Waterford and father from London were building a house in Mayo in which he lent a hand throughout the development, he fell in love with Ireland during this time and you could say, the rest is history ...
Read more about Daniel and all that's to offer in Kilronan Castle.
Ian Rankin Harford
We're delighted to welcome Ian Harford Sous Chef at Galway's Aniar Restaurant to Strokestown for the first time.
Chef Ian Rankin Harford, Born in Rush Co.Dublin but lived in Strokestown for a number of years working in the Woodlands Cafe and The Oarsman in Carrick On Shannon. Trained in One,Two and Three Michelin Star restaurants in Ireland, UK and Denmark he is currently the Junior Sous Chef in One Michelin Starred Aniar in Galway City. He won the Yes Chef Young Chef of the year in 2024 and was Nominated in the Food and wine awards for the Young Chef Of the Year in the same year. He is a Level One Oyster Sommelier and is a huge advocate for wild Irish food and seafood.
Read more about the delighted Ian and his team have to offer in Aniar
Kieron Moran
After the success of winning Best Product in 2018 Kieron Moran from Moran’s Mega Jam will take to the stage to speak about the art of making some of the finest jam’s in Ireland
Read more about Kieron and all the wonderful products available in the Moran's Mega Jam range.
Timea Kovak
We are delighted to welcome Timea back to the stage for another year. Timea will sjowcase some of her products from "The Best Free From" range and e on hand to answer any questions you may have
Read more about Timea and all the wonderful products available in her range.
Lorraine Aspil
Lorraine Aspil from Daisy Cottage crafts will join us once again this year to demonstrate how to make brown bread as well as some other favourites!
