The quest for the perfect steak went underway in The Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, January 27th. At The Irish Steak Challenge, Morris Meats of Elphin won a Gold Award and Best Striploin Steak in Connaught. They also won a Gold Award for their ribeye steak and a Silver Award for their fillet steak.
Judging at the event was impartial and carried out by a panel of over thirty experts, including meat scientists, master butchers, industry professionals and specialised chefs. Notable figures on the judging panel included Sean Owens (IFEX Salon Culinaire Director) Darina Allen from Ballymaloe, and Joe Burke (Bord Bia).
Morris Meats Butcher shop was established in the 1950’s by Paddy Morris. His son Benedict took over in the 1970’s. Ronan Gavigan then became proprietor in 1999. Ronan was delighted to receive an award in every category entered in the Steak Challenge.
“These awards are a true testament of our commitment to quality, a quality that was sustained by the Morris family over the years prior to me taking over the business”, he said.
The steaks Ronan used at the competition were from Aberdeen Angus heifers. The animals were slaughtered in the shops own abattoir and hung for a period of twenty-one days. Morris Meats is one of the few butcher shops operating its own abattoir making the supply of the shop’s meat more transparent. Ronan can control traceability whilst also sustaining a valuable skillset in the industry. He has the control of what comes in and out of his abattoir and can assess the quality of meat first hand. Ronan and his father Kieran pride themselves on buying locally sourced beef and lamb, the majority of which is reared on their own farm in Hollywell.
Ronan would like to thank all involved at the Steak Challenge event, and of course, extends a huge thank you to all of his loyal customers: “Their support is very much appreciated and we will continue to ensure that we are providing quality meat for you and your families”, he said.
