Cork Food Stories with Clara Cooney Red FM

Welcome to the Cork Food Stories Podcast with Clara Cooney of Clara Cooks in association with RedFM! Every Thursday Clara will be bringing you stories from fascinating individuals who are helping to keep Cork the foodie capital of Ireland!

On the rooftop of a building on Dalton’s Avenue, overlooking the Coal Quay and Cornmarket in the middle of Cork City, a little slice of Eden is taking shape: An urban farm unlike anything seen in Cork before, or anywhere in Ireland for that matter.The Covid-19 crisis has changed all our lives dramatically, but Brian McCarthy, 33, from Bishopstown, and his Brazilian partner Thayane ‘Thay’ Carlos took the opportunity to create something positive, not just for himself, but also the community at large Cork Rooftop Farm.

This weeks podcast we are talking to Margo Ann Murphy who owns the Roughty foodie in the English Market, originally set up by Michael Murphy in the 1960s as the Roughty Fruit King now 3rd generation family business where Margo took over the business in 2011. They supply fresh farm seasonal fruits and vegetables from local producers however they are mostly known for supporting small local businesses with a variety of delicious non-perishable foods. They stock an array of artisan food from producers based in Ireland's most rural communities. The stall is a platform for them to showcase their amazing products, which include homemade preserves, chutneys, farmhouse cheeses, raw Irish honey, free-range eggs and West Cork flowers. Listen to Margo talking about her passion from her childhood right through to today, a big believer in teaching them young and supporting local.

Clara Cooney of Clara Cooks speaks with Tom Durcan from Tom Durcan Meats at the English Market. She listens to his story from where it all began when his Dad got him a job at a young age at Kidneys Butcher Shop in Carrigaline. A butcher Clara used to frequent as a child with her Mum regularly. After a wonderful opportunity in Denmark smoking and curing meats he then took a leap of faith at 22 years of age opening his own shop. Now a family run business, Tom is one of the best suppliers of the finest quality meats, an award-winning butcher who made fame with his wonderful spiced beef! A wonderful story from another wonderful Cork Supplier. 

On this weeks Podcast, we talk to Orla McAndrew of OM Catering. Orla is from Donoughmore in Co. Cork and started her wedding and event catering business in 2018. Over the past year, Orla has changed her business adding some excellent services for in-home dining and freezer meals made from the best produce by Corks finest producers. Listen to Orla's story on how she got started, her passion for food and how her business has grown over the past few years. 

On this weeks podcast, Clara talks to Ernest Cantillon a well-known Cork businessman. They chat about starting out at the young age of 22 with his first pub, his years in the bar and restaurant trade, his passion and involvement in the Cork Simon Community, his events company and also the success of his business Kinsale Spirit Company with his partners Tom O'Riordan and Colin Ross.