A Taste of Donegal Food Festival got off to a fun start this Friday evening in Donegal Town.
Crowds flooded into the foodie village from 4pm to see what’s new on the menu for the festival’s 11th year.
The demonstrations began straight away, with some of Donegal and Ireland’s best chefs cooking up delights and sharing top tips.
And the ‘A Passion to Inspire’ awards were announced, with Daniel Mullarkey from Tara Hotel Killybegs taking the best chef award. Farad Murshad from Chandpur Indian Restaurant Donegal Town won the Gerard M Molloy Memorial Trophy – in recognition of the Best Newcomer of the festival.
The party was in full swing (thanks to The Dean Martin Tribute Show) by 8pm and attendees enjoyed browsing the tents and demos before the fireworks display closed the night.
See some of the photos from the day below. It all kicks off again tomorrow (Saturday) from 11am. We’ll see you there on the Donegal Daily Live Festival Blog: https://www.donegaldaily.com/2019/08/20/live-the-full-menu-a-taste-of-donegal-food-festival-2019/
Miss Donegal Holly McCrea and Chef Chris McMenamin from Harvey’s Point
Linda McClean – Mallow Mia
Eoin Murphy, Chef Gary O’Hanlon and Chef Brian McDermott
The Gerard M Molloy Memorial Trophy is awarded to Farhad Murhsad, Chandpur Indian Restaurant (not pictured)
Daniel Mullarkey wins A Passion to Inspire 2019
Noel Cunningham and friends enjoying the launch night
Dean Martin Tribute Show
Fireworks display at A Taste of Donegal 2019
Visitors from Seattle with friends from Ardara enjoying the fireworks
Festival Committee member Maeve Carbin and her family enjoying the fireworks
Pat the Cope Gallagher TD at the launch of A Taste of Donegal
A Taste of Donegal launch night
A Taste of Donegal launch night
Chef Brian McDermott promoting Donegal produce in his cookery demo
A Taste of Donegal launch night
A Passion to Inspire and Gerard M Molloy Memorial awards
Mayor of Donegal Town Pauric Kennedy travelled from Tralee for the launch night, as his daughter Chloe Kennedy is competing as the Donegal Rose in the Rose of Tralee International Competition
Head of Donegal Tourism Barney McLaughlin and Irish Food Guide blogger Zack Gallagher
A Taste of Donegal launch night
A Taste of Donegal launch night
A Taste of Donegal launch night
Cathaoirleach Nicholas Crossan, Rosemary Crossan, Cllr Barry Sweeny, John Sweeny and Mary Crossan.
A Taste of Donegal launch night
A Taste of Donegal launch night
A Taste of Donegal launch night