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Derry Fleming showing off his salmon dish with chef Mike Foley during the cook off. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE moving of the Tralee Food Festival from September to May has resulted in the event proving an even greater success as thousands attended events over the weekend.
The weather obviously helped but it seemed that the people of Tralee really took ownership of the festival and thronged the town on Saturday and Sunday.
There was a wonderful atmosphere on both days and the books of tickets for the taste trail sold out. A big crowd watched father and son Derry and Tadhg Fleming battle it out in a cook-off in a marquee on Dominick Street on Sunday while the many food stalls kept families well fed during the weekend.
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The general feeling is hotels, bars and restaurants were delighted with the festival. The May Bank Holiday was the ideal time to hold it too as local people tend to stay around for this weekend as opposed to the June and August bank holidays.
David Scott, the main organiser of the Tralee Food Festival was delighted with how everything went. “It was brilliant, the best one yet. Moving it to May gave us the opportunity to put on more events and we can kick on with this and make it foodie weekend in Tralee every May bank holiday weekend. The crowds were well up, the weather was on our side and there was a good mix of locals and tourists too which was great,” said David.
Well done to all involved and it shows that when the food and hospitality businesses in town get together, great things can be achieved for the good of Tralee. Scroll down for photos…
The huge crowds in the Square on Saturday. Photo: Pat Carmody
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Crowds in the Mall on Saturday. Photo: Pat Carmody
Ladies enjoying the food festival. Photo: Pat Carmody
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MC for the cookoff, Elaine Kinsella, with chef Mike Foley, Tadhg Fleming, Derry Fleming and chef Will Fitzgerald. Photo by Dermot Crean
David Scott, main organiser of the Tralee Food Festival, with Ken Tobin and Paul Ruane of Tralee Chamber Alliance. Photo by Dermot Crean
