Tipperary butchers celebrate Easter with award-winning displays

The Irish Butchers’ Guild is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Easter Lamb Display Challenge, a celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion of independent butchers across Ireland.

With Easter being a time when Irish lamb takes centre stage on tables around the country, the competition shone a spotlight on the exceptional skill and dedication of our local butchers - each one a true champion of quality and tradition.

READ MORE: 'Woman in Spain' to benefit from Dundrum House Hotel IPAS centre contract worth up to €20m

John O’Dwyer Butchers, based in Killenaule, were awarded a 3-Star Award for their Easter Lamb display in this year’s competition.

Delighted with their award, Ciaran O’Dwyer said: “We are proud to say that all of our beef and lamb comes from own farm or the farms of local producers. To the rear of our shop is our fully licenced EU approved abattoir. We feel that by having our own farm, abattoir and shop, we give an essential element of trust that all customers want when they buy meat today. For us, it’s about telling a story through our craft, and showcasing the best of Irish lamb”.

This year’s Overall Champion was awarded to Andrew Callaghan Butchers, Bettystown, Co Meath, whose 5-Star display was a stunning showcase of seasonal celebration, skilful butchery and product excellence.

Lamb holds a special place in Easter traditions, and there’s no better place to find premium, locally sourced lamb than your local independent butcher.

From expertly trimmed racks and legs of lamb to innovative marinades, ready-to-cook options, and beautifully presented seasonal specials, this year’s entries highlighted the unmatched expertise of Irish butchers and their ongoing commitment to quality and innovation.

READ MORE: Tipperary man killed in car crash was going to friend's house at time of accident

A number of butchers were also recognised with 5-Star Awards for their outstanding entries, including Grogan & Brown Artisan Butchers, Kilkenny, Davidson’s Craft Butchers, Cork, Jim Crowley Craft Butchers, Midleton, Corrigan’s Artisan Butchers, Dublin, Murphy Craft Butchers, Tullow, B Molloy Master Butchers, Ennis, while others achieved 4-Star and 3-Star Awards for the high quality and effort on display.

The event showcased an impressive variety of lamb-based creations such as Rack of Lamb stuffed with black and white pudding, Mint Lamb Kebabs, Lamb Curry Parcels, Lamb Onion Bhajis, Spicy Lamb Meatballs, Ginger & Chilli Lamb Cushion, Shepherd’s Pie Lamb Truffles, Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Marinated Lamb Tomahawks, Lamb Empanadas, Merguez Sausages, Salt Aged Rack of Lamb and Spicy Lamb Koftas and Lamb Twists, together with more traditional lamb cuts. Entries were evaluated on product range and quality, visual appeal, creativity, innovation, and craftmanship.

Commenting on the competition, the Irish Butchers’ Guild said: “Our members continue to raise the bar each year.

These displays aren’t just about presentation - they represent the passion, tradition and local pride that goes into every cut of meat.

It’s a celebration of Irish lamb, Irish butchery, and the incredible service our members provide to communities across the country.”

Formed in 2019, the Irish Butchers' Guild was founded by a community of independent, like-minded butchers from across Ireland, both north and south.

United by a shared passion for their craft, this group of highly motivated butchers is dedicated to preserving the time-honoured skills, knowledge, and heritage of traditional butchery.

At the same time, they embrace modern techniques and innovation to deliver uncompromising quality, innovation, and exceptional products and experiences for their customers.