Shinrone's Wild Irish Foragers among Offaly exhibitors at Ploughing's Midlands Flavours marquee

THE Midlands Flavours marquee is living up to its pre-Ploughing billing as "a true taste of the heart of Ireland."

The marquee is proving to be a highlight of this year's National Ploughing Championships, offering visitors a delicious journey through the finest food and drink from Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, and Longford.

Four producers from Offaly are mong the exhibitors - Biasol, Fox Covert, Feighery’s Farm, Wild Irish Foragers and Simpli Baked.

Speaking to the Tribune early on Wednesday morning, Gordon and Sharon Greene of Wild Irish Foragers described the marquee "as an excellent idea".

The Shinrone based husband and wife team said the marquee was an excellent way to promote their produce while at the same time giving them an opportunity to conduct business with punters.

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Gordon is a fifth generation beef farmer based on the Dunkerrin side of Shirone who established Wild Irish Foragers with his wife, Shaorn and family over a decade ago.

Since then the business has blossomed and they sell their produce online and in niche shops around the region.

From the farm the Greene family hand harvest wild rosehips, elderberries, damsons, elderflowers, gorse, rowanberries, sloes, spring nettles, blackberries, honeysuckle, goosegrass, clovers to name but a few.

From these natural wild ingredients they make syrups, sauces, fruit cheeses, jellies, pontack shrubs.

They strive to recreate a taste of the past, recipes that were used in a bygone era. Wild food used in this way is part of Irish food heritage, a simple taste that has been almost forgotten.

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The Midland Flavours marque brings together 18 local producers under one roof and celebrates the rich culinary heritage and innovation of the region.

From artisan cheeses and handcrafted beverages to freshly baked goods and artisanal preserves, the Midlands Flavours marquee is testament to the authentic flavours and deep-rooted connections that define the region's food scene.

​In addition to the wide array of products, the marquee features a dynamic programme of live cooking demonstrations. Well-known celebrity chef Gary O’Hanlon will bring his signature flair to the stage while acclaimed local chef Yvonne Carty will share her passion for fresh, seasonal cooking.

​The Midlands Flavours marquee is a feast for the senses and a proud showcase of the region's commitment to quality and craft.

Speaking about the initiative, Bernie Everard, Midlands Food and Drink Network Manager said:

“The Midlands Flavours Marquee is about more than food – it’s about community, heritage, and pride of place. We are delighted to showcase the talent and hard work of local producers on a national stage, and to welcome visitors to experience the very best of Midlands hospitality. This initiative is in collaboration with the four Local Enterprise Offices and Local Authorities and reflects a strong commitment to promoting local enterprise and supporting sustainable food businesses across the region”

Midlands Flavours is at Block B, Row 8, Stand 187

Laois producers: Safari Jungle, Daily Dose, Le Skinny Chef and Laois Taste

Offaly producers: Biasol, Fox Covert, Feighery’s Farm, Wild Irish Foragers, Simpli Baked

Westmeath producers: Magico Bakery, An Olivia Chocolates, Love Food, Fore Distillery, Barabvilla Dairy

Longford producers: Lough Ree Distillery, Farmhouse Bees and Trees, Heartland Orchard, Rehoboth Foods)

The Midlands Flavours marquee is supported by the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Just Transition Project which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland.