James has the recipe for success

James Richardson, from Markethill, was one of 20 chefs from across Ireland shortlisted for the final, which was held at a Dublin hotel.

He and the other contestants were given two hours to cook the three-course meal of their choice, in front of an audience and a panel of three judges.

Despite the pressure cooker atmosphere, James kept his cool and produced a winning starter of pan seared wood pigeon, followed by a main course of roasted sea bass, smoked haddock and langoustine ravioli, with white chocolate lemon and basil mousse for dessert.

Although James is just 26, he has already had numerous successes during his career. Last week’s competition was his 28th and previous awards include two silver medals at the World Olympics and silver and gold medals at the Culinary World Cup, where he competed as part of the National Irish Junior Culinary Team. He also finished third in the world overall.

After last week’s success he has been invited to join the senior team, an invitation which he has already accepted.

James has been interested in catering since he was in second year at Markethill High School. He said, “My mum and dad had an outside catering business which they ran from home, and a chip shop, so there was always cooking going on.