This is a diary kept my my good friend on his first visit to goatsbridge this October. Lets hope we do not lose the magic we have here in Ireland. I think we will always have a lot to offer.
Charles has kindly allowed me to publish his first day here.
Sunburst Sally
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
Day 1: International Local Food Tour
Last week we had a visit from the Nationwide team much to the excitement of my four kids. The day started with the team filming our chaotic morning ritual although the kids were unbelievably cooperative for a change.
It is all about being in the right place at the right time. We realised a long time ago our fish handling facilities at Goatsbridge Trout Farm did not meet our new found demand for trout. We had spent a long time looking at the various possibilities to solve this issue and I am glad to say that project was completed on the 11th November 2010.
I was down in Clonakility on a lovely sunny day in early August when the big announcement was made that BIM were funding projects after a long battle with the EU. Unfortunately for 95% of the industry Salmon farmers and business in SAC regions were not eligible for this support.
Our application went in on 20th August and we started the project the following Monday. I have faced many challenges in my life to date: toilet training, first tooth, early school days, adolescence, first kiss, college exams, marriage, mother-in-laws, childbirth, parenting, and now old age! No challenge could compare to the mammoth task ahead.
We had 80 days to complete this building from the day the application went in but would not hear until well into the project if we were to get funding or not. It was a big risk but I knew the Gods were with us and we decided to take the risk.
Big thanks to all those who put their shoulder to the wheel. I have to give a special mention to the Foley Construction Brothers. They are a family of 5 men and I must say it was like 7 brides for 7 brothers as times. Actually some of them are looking for a bride and I would recommend them highly because nothing is a problem and they could turn their hand at anything.
The job is complete and we must fish on.
Nothing will stop us now!
I spent an absolutely fantastic evening g at the Food Extravaganza in Clonmel last week. As you can see from the above panel I was in very good company indeed. The idea was very novel and I think it was a great way to communicate to the outside world the great work being done in Tipperary to promote the local artisan food movement. From my point of view I think it was a good opportunity to meet some of the food producers I have learned to admire over the last few years and I also think it is very important to share ideas and hopefully work closely with them in the future.
Hats off to all involved but make no mistake we in Kilkenny will be back next year for the all Ireland hurling final. They have started on their diet of trout already!!
It was another first for Goatsbridge when we participated in Bloom in the Phoenix Park on 27th of May this year. Although sales of my products were important in order to cover the cost of the stand it was’t my primary objective for being there. I could not bring my fresh fish along so I made up lots of smoked trout quiche and pates, products that we hope to bring to market sometime in the New Year.
Good Food Ireland is a beacon for all lovers of good food. It is a network of places that make, sell or serve good food. Goatsbridge Trout Farm joined Good food Ireland a number of months ago and attended its first Good food Ireland event on 18th May in Dublin. It was a showcase workshop for the Irish travel trade .I did not have the privilege of meeting the founder Margaret Jeffares till that night and she certainly left a lasting impression.
Just thought the other day as I sat in a meeting with a number of kilkenny food producers and my ‘big sister ‘ how things never really change. I grew up in a large family and have an older brother who was 2 years older and a sister who was 1 year older. My mother had 7 more kids after me.
Miriam was always the big sister. I remember clearly having to give Miriam a lift down the first flight of stairs to the toilet each night. Louise and I would cross our hands to make a seat and Queen Miriam would climb aboard. She always promised a return trip back but needless to say that never happened.
Miriam is still the big sister as she puts me in my place when I make a ridiculous suggestion during one of our many meetings planning the Kilkenny Food Trail. She had just left her very successful career in journalism to pursue a career as a pr consultant. You may be wondering how on earth we got so much media presence in the last few months and continue to do so. It all boils down to the genius that is Miriam Donohoe, my big sister.
So when you read our spread in the Food and Wine magazine or hear Damien O Riley talking about Goatsbridge on his Saturday morning show think of Miriam Donohoe. She can do it for you too.
MD Media
Miriam Donohoe
miriamdonohoe@gmail.com
Ross Golden Bannon Getting To Grips With A Goatsbridge Trout
It was only a matter of time before the cobbled streets and castle walls of Kilkenny merged with the fertile hinterland to put the city on the map as a “foodie” destination.
Boy did we have fun!
I just love this picture and especially Helen Finnegan of Knockdrinna Cheese’s look of disbelief. I must say restaurant critic Ross was absolutely fantastic and gave a very thought provoking talk.
He said the county has much to be proud of and that the trail is not just a celebration of quality local product but:
“of civic pride and social engagement that will pay dividends far greater than the simple tasty transaction”.
The idea is that you can pick up a copy of the food trail guide and map and plot a gloriously gluttonous path around the county. You can download a copy of the Food Trail Guide from the Trail Kilkenny website here.
Looking forward to seeing you all at Goatsbridge this summer. No excuses.!!
Some ideas for trout treats –
Trout with mayonnaise and ground almonds
Take two Goatsbridge trout fillets, place under a grill, in an oven or simply on an electrically-heated clamshell grill (like a George Foreman Grill). Spread mayonnaise across them, cover with ground almonds, cook until golden brown and serve with a fresh green salad and homemade brown bread.
Guaranteed to impress!!!
Last week the team at Goatsbridge Trout Farm attended the UK’s Food and Drink trade show at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
A number of people in the fish and food marketing areas wondered why we would go to the expense and bother of the trip. We were even advised that we were wasting our time!
Richard Branson tells us to ‘Look, Listen and learn’ and if it works for the Virgin group it works for us at Goatsbridge trout. We went there to look, listen and learn. We wanted to get a different perspective on the wider European food industry. We had a plan. We had identified a number of people to talk to and some stands to view and some keynote speaker to listen to.
We listened to the industry speakers, spoke to the people we had targeted and others beside, visited the stands we wanted to and guess what – I have an Idea (of which more later!!)
On another matter – anyone know the identity of this person?