ABP Beef is to supply Dundalk Institute of Technology culinary arts students with beef for use in training to work in the hospitality sector.

ABP said the sponsorship agreement has already commenced and will last for the academic year. The idea first came about when Michael McNamara, lecturer in culinary arts, approached ABP with a view to them supplying beef to the college’s hospitality section.

He was of the view that many cuts of beef popular in other countries were not as readily available in Irish hotels and restaurants. According to ABP, it was happy to oblige and the partnership has been formally launched.

Speaking at the announcement, Brianáin Erraught, head of the hospitality section, said: “The Dundalk Institute of Technology is delighted to partner with ABP Beef in training students to work in one of the most vibrant areas of the Irish economy, the food service sector. We look forward to co-operating to provide skills to our students that will enhance both their future careers and the Irish hospitality industry generally.”

At the formal launch of the partnership ABP Beef, a division of the ABP Food Group, was represented by Eoin Ryan, sales and marketing manager for ABP Ireland, who presented the first consignment of beef.

“At ABP we pride ourselves on providing high-quality products. We have no doubt that the Dundalk Institute of Technology culinary students of today will be the successful restaurateurs and chefs of tomorrow.

“We are thrilled to be able to support them and wish them all the best during their time in DkIT and wherever they may find themselves in the Irish hospitality sector or throughout Europe as ABP Ireland supplies beef across Europe to many restaurants and hotels including many Michelin-starred establishments.”

Eoin Ryan, ABP, Dr Patricia Moriarty, Head of School, Business and Humanities; Brianáin Erraught, Head of Section, Hospitality; and Michael McNamara, Lecturer, Culinary Arts.