Rodolpho Leonardo & Attila Czibla were named winners in the Professional Chef category and Sharlene Marsden was named the winner in the Hobby Chef category of the inaugural Joe Shannon Memorial Culinary Competition.
Established by Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo in partnership with ATU St Angela’s, the inaugural Joe Shannon Culinary Competition, took place at St Angela’s College, Lough Gill, Sligo, honouring the memory of the late Joe Shannon.
The competition took place over one day and featured two distinct categories:
The first category was for ‘Hobby Chefs’ and the theme was Entertaining at home. Participants crafted a two-course meal for eight guests, selecting either a starter and main course or main course and dessert. The focus was on flavours, presentation, and the ability to create a memorable dining experience. Criteria for judging was the quality and flavour of dishes, engagement and entertainment value, culinary skills and execution and presentation and overall appeal.
Category two, for ‘Professional Chefs’, was based on The Modern Classic. Professional chefs worked in teams of two to reinterpret a classic dish with a contemporary twist. The two-course meal (main course & vegan dessert) had to highlight modern cooking techniques while respecting culinary tradition.
Judging followed the World Association of Chef Societies (Worldchefs) guidelines, evaluating technique, innovation, and execution.
The competition was evaluated by a panel of three esteemed judges, including celebrity chef Neven Maguire , Anthony Gray restaurant owner of Eala Bhan and Hooked and Daniel Cross, General Manager Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo. The total prize fund of €5,000 per category was generously sponsored by Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo and La Rousse Foods. 1st Place prize was €2,500, 2nd Place was €1,500 and 3rd Place received €1,000.
After a full day of competition and judging, the participants joined guests for a Gala Dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo where over 380 guests were in attendance. Guests were greeted on arrival to a drinks reception, with live music from the Sligo Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra. During the evening meal, guests were entertained with music from the Conlee Quarter and the evening ended with a trad music session compliments of the Catmelodeon Band.
Throughout the evening there was a raffle and an array of wonderful auction prizes to raise money for the two charities, whom Joe worked closely with when he was diagnosed, NW Hospice and Sligo Cancer Support Centre with €32,145 raised in total from the event.
The evening brought together, the Joe Shannon Culinary Competition, announcing duo Rodolpho Leonardo & Attila Czibla as winners in the Professional Chef category and Sharlene Marsden as the Hobby Chef winner. With Michael Thomas & Ger Reidy in 2nd Place and Diarmuid O Callaghan & Jana Pasjakova in 3rd place of the Professional Chef category and Shane MacDhohnmail in 2nd Place and Barbara Buckley in 3rd Place of the Hobby Chef category.
Established to reflect Joe’s love for entertaining, his commitment to culinary excellence, and his boundless generosity. There were chefs of all levels—from seasoned professionals to passionate home cooks showcasing their talent, creativity, and love for food throughout the competition.
Speaking about the competition Cliste’s Chief Operating Officer Chris Austin, said: ‘I want to take this opportunity to thank my Cliste colleagues, the Radisson Blu, Sligo team, our partners at ATU St Angela’s and the many individuals who came together to create the Joe Shannon Culinary Competition to honour a very special individual, Joe. The Joe Shannon Culinary Competition is a wonderful celebration of Joe’s life.’ Chris continued, ‘Over the course of the competition, we have met many talented chefs who have been inspired by Joe to follow their culinary passions. Our worthy winners showed fantastic commitment and talent throughout the competition and we look forward to following their journeys.’
The Joe Shannon Culinary Competition is more than a contest—it is a tribute to a remarkable chef and human being. Whether as a participant or guest, this event was an unforgettable celebration of food, friendship, honouring the incredible legacy of Joe Shannon and will return in Spring, 2026.
Joe Shannon
Joe, a beloved Executive Chef at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo, was a mentor and inspiration to countless culinary professionals. His passion for food, dedication to hospitality, and unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on the industry and beyond.
In addition to his work in professional kitchens, Joe was a well-known media personality, co-hosting the Joe and Georgie unplugged show on Ocean FM and frequently appearing as a guest chef on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM. His engaging presence and ability to connect with audiences made him a beloved figure both on-screen and off, further cementing his legacy in Ireland’s culinary and entertainment industries.