Galway Woman Cuts the Mustard Winning Gold at National Food Awards
Galway woman Brigid Brophy won gold this weekend at Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, for her Galway Hooker Pale Ale mustard. Qualified chef Brigid produces eight varieties of mustards under The Lodge Barna Mustard brand name. These are sold in outlets across Galway, Sligo, Kerry and Dublin. Her quirky mustards also feature on the menus of many Galway restaurants and flavours include the Gold winning Galway Hooker Pale Ale mustard, a Dingle Gin, Juniper & Lime mustard and a Prosecco & Tarragon Mustard.
Now in its 11th year, Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Over 2,500 products were entered into the 2018 competition to win Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in over 100 food and drink categories. Brigid fought off fierce competition in the Mustard category to impress the judges and walk away with the gold award in Dingle.
Speaking after the win Brigid Brophy said: “I’m so delighted to have won gold in the Irish Food Awards especially as it’s my first year entering the competition. I’ve had amazing support from my suppliers, stockists, customers, family and friends with The Lodge Barna Mustards since I started making mustard in 2014. Since retiring from running our family business O’Beirn’s Pharmacy in Galway I’ve really enjoyed the new challenge of growing this company taking it from a dream to a thriving business with eight original home-made mustards. It’s amazing to have national level recognition for my mustard.”
Brigid added: “My Galway Hooker mustard is excellent for adding to hearty stews, soups or ragouts. It’s great to have such a strong local ingredient in Galway Hooker Pale Ale to add to my mustard to add to its assertive flavour.”