WELCOME
You are all very welcome to the 2025 Gold Medal Catering Awards, held in association with Hotel & Catering Review magazine.
The Gold Medal Catering Awards are Ireland’s premier celebration of excellence in the catering industry. This event is dedicated to recognising the remarkable achievements, innovation, and commitment of catering professionals who deliver outstanding service across a diverse range of sectors, including business and industry, healthcare, education, and event catering.
Launched as a natural progression from the long-standing success of the Gold Medal Catering Awards, the Catering Awards mark a new chapter in our 34-year journey of honouring hospitality excellence. By establishing a distinct platform for the catering and food service community, we’re spotlighting a sector that is essential to the fabric of Irish hospitality, dynamic, creative, and constantly evolving.
This inaugural edition has already exceeded expectations, with over 300 entries in its very early stage of existence, showcasing the extraordinary talent and passion driving Ireland’s catering scene forward.
From inspired menu development to exceptional customer experiences, these awards celebrate the individuals and teams who continually raise the bar for our industry.
More than just an awards ceremony, tonight is a milestone moment. We are proud to bring together the brightest minds and most dedicated professionals in catering to share in this celebration, an evening set against the historic and elegant backdrop of Clontarf Castle. Here, among peers and pioneers, we honour the achievements that are shaping the future of Irish catering.
Thank you to every entrant for making this debut year so memorable. The Gold Medal Catering Awards have arrived, and with them, a new era of recognition begins.
On behalf of everyone at the Gold Medal Catering Awards, we extend our warmest congratulations to all of this year’s finalists. Your passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence are a true credit to Ireland’s catering industry. We wish you the very best of luck and hope you enjoy a memorable evening in these stunning surroundings. Your achievements inspire us all, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.
Trish Murphy, Sales & Sponsorship Director
Jill Thornton, Senior Events Manager
The Ashville Events Team
THANK YOU TO OUR INAUGURAL 2025 GOLD MEDAL CATERING AWARDS JUDGING PANEL
A huge thank you to our inaugural 2025 Gold Medal Catering Awards Judging Panel for your time, expertise, and passion! Your discerning taste and thoughtful insights made this year’s awards truly special. We’re so grateful for your role in celebrating excellence in catering, here’s to setting a high bar for the future!
Colin Gilligan Lecturer in Hospitality, ATU
Gina Murphy
Chairperson of Tourist SOS, and a Board Member of Kylemore Abbey Trust
Jennifer Maher Director of Hospitality, Excel Recruitment
Dr John Carty Lecturer and Researcher, Galway International Hotel School, Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Mark Howell Chief Operating Officer at Martin Food Equipment
Maria Murphy Lecturer at the Galway International Hotel School, Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Oliver Sheedy
Catering and training consultant and national tour guide
Patrick O’Keefe
Retired General Manager in Newlands Golf Club
Member of the Club Management Association of Ireland (CMAI)
Russell Hadley General Manager of The Mayson in Dublin
Shane McLave Managing Director, Excel Recruitment
Sue Campbell Food Service Consultant
Eamon Barrett Contributing Editor McKennas Guides 2005 to date
National Judge, Restaurant Association of Ireland. Owner, Altitude Waterford.
IRELAND’S EVENT CATERER
- 100 GUESTS OR LESS
3Cooks
Berman & Wallace
Críoch Catering
Fresh & Yummy
Gourmet Catering Ltd.
Man Street Kitchen
Orla McAndrew Food
Truffle Honey
IRELAND’S EVENT CATERER
- 100 GUESTS OR MORE
3Cooks
Aramark, Sports & Events
BaxterStorey Ireland, Wild Light at Dublin Zoo
Berman & Wallace
FoodSpace - BMS
Mc Nelis Hospitality, Nubar DCU
Orla McAndrew Food
Truffle Honey
SUSTAINABILITY SITE OF THE YEAR
Bon Secours
Galway Catering
Team
Compass Group Ireland
Martina’s Homemade Foods
Orla McAndrew Food
Críoch Catering
FoodSpace - Abbott Clonmel
ISS Catering X HPE
Galway
KC Peaches
Sodexo Ireland at Microsoft
Steak Out Catering Ltd.
The Q Cafe Company at Environmental Protection Agency
BARISTA OF THE YEAR
Aaron Smyth
Berman & Wallace
Michael Babic
Malahide Golf Club
Gabor Master Sodexo Ireland
PUBLIC SECTOR FOOD SERVICE OF THE YEAR
Aramark, Peamount Healthcare
Críoch Catering
The Q Cafe Company at Teagasc
OUR STORY
At BWG Foods wholesale division we’re passionate about quality, food safety and great value for money. Through our offering and expertise, along with our commitment to outstanding service, we aim to exceed customer expectations.
One of our key strengths is our local presence around the country meaning we are always close to you, no matter where your business is.
BWG Foods is a proud member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green sustainability programme since 2020. We are committed to the transition to renewable energy, to source our products more sustainably, and to reduce our carbon emissions and waste.
Industry leading storage and distribution ensures your order arrives in premium condition.
We deliver your order fresh, on time and in full, every time.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing we’re helping you serve the best.
FOODSERVICE CHEF OF THE YEAR
Lee Boatman
BaxterStorey
Ireland
Shane Heffernan
Compass Group
Ireland
Simon Collins
Compass Group
Ireland
Rory Nolan
FoodSpace, Abbott
Kilkenny
Anton Rosler
Malahide Golf Club
Gary Cruise Mc Nelis
Hospitality, Nubar DCU
Luiza Fernandes
Meltdown Catering
Manuel Millot
Seventh CateringKilleen Golf Club
Philip Leech
Sodexo Ireland
HEALTHCARE CATERER OF THE YEAR
Aramark, Peamount Healthcare
Aramark, University Hospital Galway
Bon Secours Galway Catering Team
National Maternity Hospital
The Q Cafe Company at Sports Surgery Clinic
The Q Cafe Company at St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services
EDUCATION CONTRACT CATERER OF
THE YEAR
Compass Group Ireland at Glanmore Foods
Food For School, Ballyhaunis Community School
Martina’s Homemade Foods
Mc Nelis Hospitality Nubar DCU
Pat Long Catering
Sodexo Ireland at Clongowes Wood College
Steak Out Catering Ltd.
The Lunch Bag
HEALTH & NUTRITION
MENU OF THE YEAR
Aramark, Peamount
Healthcare
Aramark, University Hospital Galway
BaxterStorey Ireland, Climate Conscious Team
Bon Secours Galway Catering Team
FoodSpace - Abbott Kilkenny
ISS Catering X HPE Galway
Martina’s Homemade Foods
Meltdown Catering
Sodexo Ireland at ESB
Steak Out Catering Ltd.
The Lunch Bag
The Q Cafe Company at QWellness
MENU PROVENANCE OF THE YEAR
3Cooks
Críoch Catering
Haynes and Colhoun
ISS Catering X HPE Galway
Man Street Kitchen
Muskerry Golf Club
BaxterStorey Ireland is a leading catering and hospitality company, delivering exceptional food, innovative service, and tailored dining experiences across a diverse range of sectors. From corporate workplaces and education to healthcare, retail, and large-scale events, we craft bespoke catering solutions that meet the unique needs of every client.
Our core values — Always Visionary, Forever Conscious, Wholeheartedly Positive, and Creatively Collaborative, are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and creating positive, collaborative environments that inspire both our teams and the clients we serve.
Our people are our greatest asset. We invest in their growth and development through industry-leading programs such as the Management Development Programme (MDP) and Chef Academy, fostering a culture of continuous learning and career progression. Our inclusive initiatives, like the RISE Women’s Network, Menopause Champions, and Mental Health First Aiders, ensure every team member feels supported and empowered.
Operating across diverse sectors allows us to bring a wealth of experience and creativity to every project, enabling us to deliver exceptional dining experiences tailored to varied audiences. Recognised with prestigious accolades such as Overall Excellence in HR, Best Private Sector HR Initiative, and the IBEC Keep Well Awards, we are proud to lead the way in employee wellness, inclusivity, and innovation.
At BaxterStorey Ireland, we don’t just provide catering, we create memorable experiences, build strong partnerships, and continuously raise the standard for sustainability and innovation in hospitality.
CONNECT WITH US
CLUB OR SOCIETY FRANCHISED CATERING OF THE YEAR
Haynes and Colhoun
Muskerry Golf Club
Truffle Honey
CLUB OR SOCIETY IN-HOUSE CATERING OF THE YEAR
Headfort Golf Club
Malahide Golf Club
Man Street Kitchen
Seventh Catering, Cill Dara Golf Club
Seventh Catering, Newbridge Golf Club
CHEF MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Craig Thunder CCSL
- Dublin Bus
Avril Nestor CCSL
- Valeo Vision Systems
Maciej Hildebrand
Compass Group
Ireland
Paul Garreffa Compass Group
Ireland
Anton Rosler Malahide Golf Club
Luiza Fernandes Meltdown Catering
Thorsten Schultz The Q Cafe Company
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
CONTACT CATERER OF THE YEAR
- 1-250 EMPLOYEES ON SITE
CCSL - IMI
Compass Group Ireland at AerCap, Dublin
Fresh & Yummy Gourmet Catering Ltd.
Haynes and Colhoun
Sodexo Ireland at AerCap, Shannon
The Q Cafe Company at Abbott
We provide both permanent and temporary staffing solutions tailored to your business needs. As Ireland’s leading hospitality staffing supplier, we support over 6,000 professionals across 550+ venues nationwide. Contact us today to find the right talent for your team. Additionally, we provide a wide range of training options, including:
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY CONTRACT
CATERER OF THE YEAROVER 250 EMPLOYEES ON SITE
BaxterStorey Ireland, Mastercard
Compass Group Ireland at Google
FoodSpace - BMS
Sodexo Ireland at Central Bank of Ireland
The Q Cafe Company at Waters Technologies
CATERING MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Natasha Galavan
Bon SecoursGalway Catering Team
Donnacha O’Mahony CCSL - Creganna
Johnnie Finn CCSL - IMI
Kathleen O’Connor
Compass Group Ireland
Bobby Carrigan
FoodSpace - Abbott
Vascular Clonmel
Padraig Deburca
Muskerry Golf Club
Pat Long
Pat Long Catering
Mary Morrisson
Sodexo Ireland
Stephen Donohoe
Steak Out
Catering Ltd.
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE
OF THE YEAR
3Cooks
Aramark, Peamount
Healthcare
Aramark
Sports & Events
Bon Secours
Galway Catering Team
Haynes and Colhoun
Man Street Kitchen
Martina’s
Homemade Foods
Masala Restaurants Ltd
Mc Nelis Hospitality, Nubar DCU
Muskerry Golf Club
Steak Out Catering Ltd.
The Q Cafe Company at Blackrock and Wicklow Hospice
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Winner will be announced on the night
RISING STAR
Winner will be announced on the night
CATERING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Winner will be announced on the night
