A celebration and get together for the potato lovers and growers of Co. Monaghan, and surrounding counties, will take place again this year in Carrickmacross. Now in its second year, we are running this event to promote awareness of the humble spud, the Transition Town movement and of course promoting GIY in a fun and friendly competitive way. The final will be on Sunday, 11 September in Deery’s Bar & Lounge, Carrickmacross at 1pm.
Conan Connolly, the co- ordinator of this year’s spud off
is encouraging all local potato growers to enter!
On the day, growers will present their spuds to a panel of five blind – folded judges who will pick a winner based on taste and texture. The potatoes can either be boiled or steamed, and cannot have any added ingredients, including butter or salt. This growing / tasting competition is open to all local schools, community groups, and individual growers. It’s open to any growers who have grown their spuds in Co. Monaghan. It’s a bit of fun, and we really want to encourage a sense of camaraderie among growers and encourage people to take up growing their own veg. No experience is required to grow potatoes. Not only is growing your own food good for local sustainability, there’s no better way to get your food than pick it straight from your garden or allotment, knowing exactly where it has come from and what has (or hasn’t) been added to the soil. What’s more, working in the garden is great for your mental health, with experts saying that working in the soil can help fight against depression and anxiety.
There are loads more hints tips and tricks out there and other growers are only too keen to talk about spuds and hear ways to improve their flavour, texture and yield. Seamus McEnaney from Castleblayney was last year’s champion.
To find out about the rules of the competition go to http://www.transitionmonaghan.org or Transition Monaghan’s Facebook page or alternatively email transitionmonaghan@gmail.com or tel Conan Connolly at 086 0641864. Please get in touch and enter. Entries cost €10 and all proceeds go towards the voluntary efforts of Transition Monaghan.
Transition Monaghan 