Artisan Enterprise and Home Economics are key features of St Angela’s address at Country Markets Ireland Regional Meeting.           

On 18th April 2016, St Angela’s College, Sligo were invited to present at the annual North West regional meeting of County Markets Ireland Limited at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo.

Roisin Lydon, Lecturer in Home Economics and Programme Co-Director of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Food and Business Management presented on the artisan food enterprise skills developed by students on this full-time undergraduate programme. Ms Lydon presented to the meeting of Country Markets from the West/North West region, outlining the assessment and coursework undertaken by students on the BApplSc Food and Business Management programme, including food product innovation and development, nutrition and sensory analysis, marketing and food photography/food styling.

Dr Maria Gallo, Development Manager at the College and supporter of the Country Markets, identified the potential synergies between the national Country Markets network and the College: “One of our anchor academic disciplines at St Angela’s is Home Economics and as a long standing patron of the Country Markets I viewed many of these same values and skills of Home Economics are those espoused by the Country Markets across Ireland.” Some of these values include supporting local and healthy eating, developing culinary and creative/craft skills, concern for sustainability and family resource management.

Country Markets Ireland has over 50 markets across Ireland, and over 15 markets attended the events in Sligo, with more details on Country Markets available on www.countrymarkets.ie. This event was also an opportunity to promote the breadth of programmes at St Angela’s College, Sligo, including the BApplSc in Food and Business Management, a CAO programme with more details here and the Home Economics Education programme, with more details here.