A team of students from Southern Regional College won a regional heat of the Generation Chef competition held at the end of March. The event took place at the college's Newry campus.

Leon Ruddy, 18, from Bleary; Eva Newell, 18, from Kilkeel; and Katie Gray, 17, from Collone in Armagh formed the winning team. They defeated Lubo Mulkearns, 17, from Jonesborough; Simona Nagrodskyte, 18, from Silverbridge; and Olivia Kaminska, 16, from Newry.

Judges Danni Barry, a Michelin-starred chef, and Gerard McClelland, general manager of the Maghera Inn, evaluated the teams. Barry examined kitchen communication, menu decisions and performance under pressure. McClelland reviewed front-of-house service, customer interactions and table presentation.

Southern Regional College hosts the Northern Ireland final on April 30 at its Newry campus. Teams from all six further education colleges in Northern Ireland will compete.

The college won the 2024 Northern Ireland final. Northern Ireland's 11 Rotary Clubs support the competition to identify hospitality talent. The regional heat received sponsorship from WBR Credit Union and Fisher and Fisher Solicitors.

Michelle Moore, curriculum area manager at Southern Regional College, stated the event offers students a platform to display skills and teamwork in a high-pressure setting.