The standard of cuisine in college canteens may sometimes leave a little to be desired, but the standard of student chefs being produced by those colleges continues to be high. Judy Ford, a second year student at Galway RTC, was recently voted Knorr Student Chef of the Year at the finals of the competition, held in Tallaght RTC.

Students from Ireland's 11 catering colleges took part in the competition, which required students to create a recipe for a starter and main course. The main course in Ford's winning entry was Hoi Sin Barbary Duck with Potato and Parsnip Cake and Sweet and Sour Sauce, which is unlikely to be appearing on a canteen menu near you soon. She is pictured here completing the dish under the watchful eye of judge Willie Somers, himself a chef. Second place went to Ross Quinn, a second year student from DIT Cathal Brugha Street, while third place went to Shane Nolan, a second year student at WIT.