A Kilkenny woman’s been named among the winners of the Irish Food Writing Awards.
Ruth Calder-Potts of Highbank Orchards in Cuffesgrange took the Food Photography title as last night’s event in the RDS.
The annual celebration was founded by food writer and broadcaster Suzanne Campbell to recognise excellence, insight and creativity across food writing, broadcasting, podcasting, social media and photography, acknowledging both established individuals and rising stars within the sector.
2025 Award Winners
Irish Food or Drink Podcast
Judged by Nigel Barden, sponsored by Sharon Noonan
Winner: Food Matters by Mick Kelly, Grow It Yourself
Food Writing Award
Judged by Robb Walsh, sponsored by Bord Bia
Winner: Alex Meehan, Irish Independent
Food History and Heritage Award
Judged by Dr Neil Buttery, sponsored by Ballymaloe Foods
Winner: Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire and Dorothy Cashman for Irish Food History; a compendium
Writing on Irish Food Producers
Judged by Charlotte Pike, sponsored by Certified Irish Angus
Winner: Caroline Hennessy, Irish Examiner and Irish Farmers Journal
Writing on Seafood Award
Judged by Robb Walsh, sponsored by Glenmar Shellfish
Winner: Aishling Moore, Irish Examiner
Writing on Sustainability in Irish Food Award
Judged by Tom Hunt, sponsored by &Smyth Creative Communications
Winner: Michelle Darmody for Seed to Supper
Irish Food Magazine or Supplement
Judged by Felicity Cloake, sponsored by Butlers Chocolates
Winner: Irish Examiner Weekend
Cookbook of the Year
Judged by Colman Andrews, sponsored by Gather and Gather
Winner: The Old Spot Cook Book by Aoife Carrigy
Cookery Writing Award
Judged by Ed Smith, sponsored by Begleys Fresh
Winner: John Mulgrew, Belfast Telegraph
Wine Writing Award
Judged by Oz Clarke, sponsored by Whelehans Wines
Winner: Gary Law, Belfast Telegraph
Beer Writing Award
Judged by Richard Croasdale, sponsored by Rascals Brewing
Winner: Christina Wade for Filthy Queens
Spirits Writing Award
Judged by Tim Hayward, sponsored by Powerscourt Distillery
Winner: Gary Law, Belfast Telegraph
Culinary Student Award
Judged by Jess Murphy and Ed Cooney, sponsored by Kerrygold
Winner: Vitalii Vakarchuk, Colaiste Ide, Finglas
Food Photography Award, Professional Category
Judged by Cris Barnett, sponsored by Odaois Foods
Winner: Ruth Calder-Potts
Food Photography Award, Amateur Category
Judged by Chris Barnett, sponsored by Odaois Foods
Winner: Rosie Horgan
Writing on International Cuisines
Judged by Romy Gill, sponsored by Green Saffron
Winner: Alex O’Neill, Image Magazine
Restaurant Critic Award
Judged by Mark Diacomo
Winner: Corinna Hardgrave, Irish Times Food
Irish Food Blog Award
Judged by Rebecca May Johnson, sponsored by Pestle and Mortar
Winner: Sian Conway
Investigative Writing Award
Judged by Dan Saladino
Winner: Patricia Devlin, The Journal Investigates
Emerging Voice in Irish Food Writing
Judged by Deborah Reid
Winner: Alex O’Neill, Image Magazine
Irish Food on Instagram or TikTok Award
Judged by Andy Clarke, sponsored by Coole Swan
Winner: Marcus O’Laoire
Outstanding Achievement in Food Writing Award
Sponsored by James Whelan Butchers
Winner: Ernie Whalley
A Tribute to Ernie Whalley
This year’s Outstanding Achievement in Food Writing Award was presented to Ernie Whalley, who was nominated by several journalists and food writers, many of whom credit him with giving them their start in food writing. Ernie began writing about wine in 1978 for a northern English newspaper, and after moving to Ireland in 1987 he wrote for the Sunday Independent and the Evening Herald among other titles. He continued to be a leading voice in Irish food and wine journalism until finishing his long running column for The Sunday Times in 2019. His influence on writers and readers alike has been significant, and the Award recognises his lasting contribution to the field.
