Good taste for launch event at Killua Castle
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Andrea Corroon Leader development officer in Westmeath Community Development, and Joe Corroon.Image 2 of 14
Neola, Kayla Eve, Melena and Derek Smyth.Image 3 of 14
Allen Sangines-Krause, owner of Killua Castle was present throughout the day.Image 4 of 14
Jo from Glasson Flower Farm, and Sarah from Slow Field Flowers.Image 5 of 14
Jennifer Comber from Lilac Studio had a display of her work at the Taste of Westmeath launch.Image 6 of 14
Helen and Darren McGauley from Reflex Relax were among those who had stalls at the event.Image 7 of 14
Liam Tutty from The Irish Craft Soda Company.Image 8 of 14
Jonana and Johnny Farrelly, and Johnny Charman with Roobarn.Image 9 of 14
Kenneth Green, Pat Dempsey and Bartle Murphy chatting during the afternoon.Image 10 of 14
Evie Moore and Kayleigh and Paidi Gallagher.Image 11 of 14
Micheál Tuite chatting to Allen Sangines-Krause.Image 12 of 14
Jordan Gavagan Forde and Elena Gallo at the launch event for Taste of Westmeath on Sunday.Image 13 of 14
Senan McDermott relaxing in the castle grounds on Sunday.Image 14 of 14
The grounds of Killua Castle were busy throughout Sunday afternoon for the Taste of Westmeath launch event.The Taste of Westmeath launch at Killua Castle on Sunday, September 28, drew a large crowd, and gave food and drink producers from across the county the opportunity to showcase their products under the Taste of Westmeath banner.
Originally launched as the Westmeath Food Network in 2011, the programme has now been re-established through the 2023–2027 LEADER programme. With 13 members already on board, it is set to expand further as more local businesses join.
Andrea Corroon of Westmeath Community Development, who is coordinating the project, said: “It started a year ago as part of the Westmeath LEADER local development strategy. Research carried out during the previous LEADER programme showed that producers wanted to relaunch the network.
“I’ve been working to bring together as many local food and drink producers as possible. LEADER has supported them in numerous ways, including this event.
They’ve also provided funding for videography, food photography, social media, multimedia, and website maintenance.”
Andrea added: “We hope this really takes off and encourages more members to get involved. This is just the beginning.”
Looking ahead, the network is planning a ‘Meet the Producer’ event early next year. That will connect local producers with businesses in hospitality, retail, and gifting, while also exploring opportunities such as hamper collaborations and Food Academy partnerships.
“It’s great to see so many people, I’m delighted. So many people have put so much hard work into this, everyone, including all the producers,” Andrea said.
The day at Killua Castle featured more than 25 stalls, alongside local crafts, family entertainment, and a raffle. Prizes included a week’s accommodation in Majorca, apartment accommodation for a weekend in Madrid, An Olivia Chocolate painting birthday party for up to 15 children at Devine Arts Studios, dinner for two at Twelve Points restaurant at Killua Castle, Dempsey Jams Hamper, Killucan Honey Hamper, Love Food Hamper, Fore Heritage Gift set, Crust GF Hamper and €100 voucher for Bonny Bó Milk.
Visitors arrived throughout the day, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
• Report, photos and video by Jay G Forde