South East Technological University (SETU) recently celebrated a collaborative victory after a Culinary Arts student and a Hospitality Management student secured a first place finish at the prestigious 2024 Franco-Irish Cook and Serve Competition (FICAHT).
The annual FICAHT Competition promotes collaboration between French and Irish educational institutions in the culinary arts, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Held at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, the competition saw French and Irish students pair up and work together in the kitchen and at the front of house to prepare and serve a fine dining experience within the theme of ‘Disruption: searching for solutions in the tourism, hospitality and culinary arts ecosystem.’
Collaboration
Following the judge's deliberation, a team consisting of SETU Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Culinary Arts student Ben Roche and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Hospitality Management student Aoife O’Regan along with students from French Lycée Savary Ferry Arras were announced as the Strand Two (beyond level 6) winners.
The SETU and Lycée Savary Ferry Arras team impressed the judges with their creativity and skill. Their three-course culinary and cocktail experience embraced the competition's theme of disruption using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Their efforts also went beyond the plate, with their table layout reflecting the challenges of climate change.
“Their vast experience coupled with an eye for detail ensures that our students are trained to the highest standards to achieve excellence not just in national but also in international competitions.”
Dr Don O'Neill Head of the Department of Humanities, SETU in Waterford
Further success
SETU also had success in the Strand One (up to level 6) category where Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality Services student Benedek Csonka teamed up with students from French Lycée Savary Ferry Arras to achieve a second place finish.
SETU was one of four third level institutions that took part. These included Crumlin Colleg of Further Education, Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) Archerstown and MTU.
There has been a long-standing tradition of French Embassy support for the FICAHT competition, and this year was no exception. Xavier d’Argoeuves, Conseiller de cooperation et d’action culturelle, represented the Embassy at the 2024 event. The Embassy's ongoing involvement highlights the importance of this competition in fostering cultural exchange and collaboration between France and Ireland in the culinary arts, hospitality, and tourism sectors.
Learning opportunities
Speaking following the team’s win, fourth year Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Culinary Arts student Ben Roche said, “The 2024 FICAHT Competition was of great benefit to me. It gave me a brilliant opportunity to meet other chefs, and to showcase my skills.”
Fellow winner, Aoife O’Regan, praised the highly professional competition environment, unlike any she had experienced previously, “It was so beneficial to put all of the theory I learned in college into practice,” she said.
Benedek Csonka added, “This competition made me realise how important teamwork and communication are when you work under pressure. It was a great learning experience for me.”
Commenting on SETU's achievements at the competition, Dr Don O’Neill, Head of the Department of Humanities in SETU Waterford, said, “We are lucky at SETU to have outstanding staff in the areas of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management who have worked in some of the world’s leading hospitality establishments.
“Their vast experience coupled with an eye for detail ensures that our students are trained to the highest standards to achieve excellence not just in national but also in international competitions.”
