Blas an Fhomhair – Nenagh’s Community Harvest Festival and Lunch

Blas an Fhomhair, Nenagh’s Community Harvest Lunch made a welcome return on Sunday afternoon, 27 September, at Kenyon Street, Nenagh.  This year’s guest chef was well known writer and journalist, Hugo Arnold of the Irish Times.

The Blas an Fhomhair, organised by Tipperary Slow Food, Shannon Development and friends, was a showcase of local organic foods for National Organic Week.  Speaking about the event, Peter Ward said “Blas an Fhomhair was more than a showcase of local organic food.  It was a valuable community gathering for locals and visitors alike.”  Ward stated that at last year’s event 453 people enjoyed a delicious lunch and a great community gathering.  The event attracted significant visitors to Nenagh for the day.

The highly successful historical food trail made a welcome return with local archaeologist Caimin O’Brien leading a tour of the town that left the courthouse at 2:00.  Caimin had some fascinating information regarding the food of Nenagh in the Middle Ages.  Caimin spoke of the great culinary history of Nenagh Castle.

The event at Lower Kenyon Street was a showcase of Michael Seymour’s and Richard Auler’s organic beef cooked by Hugo at Country Choice.  Vegetables were from Philip Draper and Dermot O’Mara, all cooked by the team at The Pantry cafe.  Desserts were provided by the Nenagh Country Market and Nenagh’s Farmers Market.  Cider and juice were provided by The Apple Farm at Cahir and the cheese courses were Mossfield Organic from Birr.  Breads were provided by Larkins and Brocka on the Water.

The event was not for profit and all labour was voluntary.  Food preparation and serving volunteers were managed by Anne Marie Duke from Country Choice and set up volunteer Martin Langton.