The TV Chef, Food Author and co-founder of the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School was recognized for his significant lifetime contribution to Irish Food
TV Chef, Food Author and co-founder of the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School Rory O’Connell is the recipient of the prestigious ‘2026 Listowel Food Fair Lifetime Achievement Award’. Rory O’Connell was presented with the award last night by Jimmy Deenihan at the ‘Gourmet Fashion & Food’ hosted at the Listowel Arms Hotel as one of the festival highlights.
Rory O’Connell was recognized last night for his significant lifetime contribution to Irish culinary arts, Irish culinary education, emerging artisan food producers and the promotion of Irish Food internationally at the 2026 Listowel Food Fair.
Speaking about the special presentation Former Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Jimmy Deenihan said:
“On behalf of the Listowel Food Fair I would like to recognize and thank Rory O’Connell for his lifetime dedication and significant contribution to Irish food. Tonight, we celebrate Rory O’Connell’s great achievements as one of Ireland’s most respected culinary figures, widely celebrated as a chef, teacher, television presenter and award winning author.
As the co-founder of the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in 1985 alongside his sister Darina Allen, Rory O’Connell has spent his lifetime supporting and developing generations of young chefs while cementing Ireland’s reputation on the world stage of food.
Rory O’Connell has remained a cornerstone tutor, meticulously instilling a deep respect for foundational techniques, seasonality and pristine ingredients.
Rory O’Connell now joins an elite list of previous recipients of the Listowel Food Fair Lifetime Achievement Award such as Denis Brosnan, John O’Connor, Francis Brennan, Georgina Campbell, Darina Allen and Kevin Dundon. We would like to congratulate Rory O’Connell for the significant contribution he has made.”
Reading a specially prepared citation Listowel Food Fair Committee Member Mairead Moriarty congratulated Rory O’Connell for his achievements for Ireland and Irish food, highlighting some of his milestone culinary achievements:
“Rory O’Connell trained with Myrtle Allen at Ballymaloe House, where he served as the Head Chef of Ballymaloe for ten years. It was at Ballymaloe House where Rory’s execution of ‘farm to table cuisine’ earned him the prestigious accolade of Ireland’s Chef of the Year, on two occasions.
Beyond the kitchen, Rory O’Connell has been a vital voice of sustainable agriculture and the establishment of regional Irish food systems. He co-founded the Ballymaloe LitFest, attracting international culinary thinkers to Ireland, to discuss the future of food.
Rory O’Connell has represented Ireland and Irish Food on numerous occasions, addressing the hospitality and tourism industry both at home and abroad.Rory O’Connell is an established Food Author with three highly acclaimed award winning cookbooks. ‘The Joy of Food’ is Rorys latest book, published in October 2020 which was short-listed for an An Post Irish Book Award.”
The Listowel Food Fair
The Listowel Food Fair was originally launched in 1995 as a specialized food fair. Listowel, located in North Kerry, has a reputation for its lush landscapes and fertile land, making it an ideal location for the production of high-quality food and beverages. As such, the Listowel Food Fair became a platform for many food producers to highlight their artisan food products such as cheeses, baked goods, beverages and more.
Now in its 31st year, the Listowel Food Fair celebrates many successful years of promoting culinary talent and fostering a sense of community pride. The festival has continued to evolve and adapt to changing tastes and trends while staying true to its mission of celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Listowel and North Kerry. The Listowel Food Fair not only celebrates the region’s culinary offerings but also its cultural heritage.
The 2026 Listowel Food Fair is supported by Kinisla, Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, Kerry Local Enterprise Office, FBD Insurance plc, Garvey’s Supervalu Listowel, John J Galvin & Son Ltd, Listowel Credit Union, Media365, Buckley Agri and Tipperary Crystal.
FBD Insurance plc is the ‘Preferred Insurance Partner’ of the 2026 Listowel Food Fair.
Information on the 2026 Listowel Food Fair is available at www.listowelfoodfair.ie.
