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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I'm top Irish chef – here's my major tips to help families reduce food waste and cook delicious meals on budget
The top chef has a list of time-saving tips for families on the go CHEF'S SECRETS I'm top Irish chef – here's my major tips to help families reduce food waste and cook delicious meals on budget RENOWNED Irish chef Adrian Martin has spent years helping people navigate the challenges of everyday cooking. And ahead of his role as the Barnardos Dalkey Lobster Festival ambassador this weekend, he's shared his top tips to families looking to cook delicious meals while on a budget at home. 4 Top Irish chef Adrian Martin has helped families cook delicious meals for years on the Six O'Clock show Credit: Social Media Collect 4 And he has now shared all of his top tips for those cooking on a budget Credit: Social Media Collect When it comes to cooking seafood, the top chef recommends buying fish fresh on the day of preparation and keeping marinades brief, around 10 to 15 minutes. Citrus and spices help reduce strong fish odours, making seafood more approachable for beginners in the kitchen. It is also good to start with mild fish such as monkfish, as it allows home cooks to build confidence before tackling stronger-flavoured varieties. Adrian, who is a regular on Virgin Media's Six O'Clock Show, also recommends that beginners hold off on cooking smoked fish until they gain a bit of experience in the kitchen. He said: 'I think a lot of people tend to stay away from fish because they don't like the smell but if more people buy it fresh, the less smell there would be - so I always say if you're cooking fish buy it on the day. 'Unlike when you marinate beef or you marinate chicken and you normally leave an overnight, with fish you can marinate it within 10 to 15 minutes because it will take that flavour really quickly. 'With salmon I would season it with sea salt firstly on the flesh side and then on occasion I would put some spice onto it and then zest it with a juice of lemon or lime. 'It makes such a difference. You get a nice citrus flavour, a nice flavour from Cajun spice and it kind of gets rid of that smell.' For households mindful of costs, introducing one vegetarian meal per week can significantly reduce expenses without sacrificing nutrition. Adrian also recommends choosing budget-friendly meat cuts like mince beef, chicken wings or drumsticks, which are often much cheaper than meals including steak and lamb. I'll never step foot in a supermarket to do my food shop again This simple hack allows families on a budget to get in their protein without breaking the bank. What's more, the top chef added that price comparisons across different shops are an easy way to save money and ensure that meals remain varied. He said: 'Meat has gone up in price so much and has nearly made it inaccessible for families, so I think if you can get cheaper cuts to cut costs, you should. 'Mince is probably the most versatile thing you can buy because you can make lasagne, you can make shepherd's pie, cottage pie, Bolognese, burgers, meatballs – a variety of different meals. 'A vegetarian meal once a week is also a major way of cutting costs and there's so many different dishes you can make.' There are also some common cooking mistakes Adrian says to avoid. These include not reducing liquid when cooking minced beef and under-seasoning onions and garlic, which can both have a massive effect on the taste of meals. The chef also recommends cooking meat until it develops a rich brown colour rather than leaving it pale. Reducing food waste is another top priority that Adrian says home cooks should have. A major way of achieving this is by planning a weekly menu for your family and doing a single shop based on planned meals whenever possible. Leftover vegetables can also be made into curries or sauces, while ingredients like ginger can be frozen for later use. He said: 'Write a menu at the beginning of the week because if you do this, you'll know exactly what you're cooking which will help you cut back on a lot of food waste. 'Don't be afraid to freeze food as well. I think the biggest waste of food is small things like ginger and it tends to be forgotten about instead of thrown back into the fridge. 'Try and use up everything you have with smart dishes at the end of the week and if you have the time, shop every two days for food.' For families on the go, the top chef has a list of time-saving tips. Batch cooking and freezing meals in advance ensures there are always healthy options available, reducing last-minute stress. Other time-saving strategies include using an air fryer, preparing fresh pasta and keeping pre-made dishes in the freezer. Lastly, Adrian revealed that planning meals for the week allows families to manage both time and resources efficiently, while keeping dishes varied and nutritious. He said: 'I do think an air fryer in particular is an amazing thing for saving time, it cooks food so quick. 'Having lots of pasta dishes also tends to help you can just throw it together which is a major way of saving time for families. 'Batch cooking also tends to work, so I tend to load up the freezer with lots of things I can prepare during the week. 'People are so busy nowadays, but I think if you follow any of these tips, it will make a difference.' The Dalkey Lobster Festival takes place on the weekend of August 23 and 24 in the coastal town of Dalkey, south Dublin. It features food stalls, local produce, live music and family-friendly entertainment, with activities for children including face painting, magic shows and character performances. The top chef is set to visit the festival stalls, meet local food producers and show off the quality and creativity behind the dishes on offer. He added: 'I love food festivals, and I think when you have something like lobster involved, things just can't go wrong. 'There's going to be music, there will be loads of vendors, lots of street food, arts and producers as well. 'For kids there will also be lots of entertainment such as magic shows, face painting and character performances. 'I got involved with the Barnardos charity 13 months ago as an ambassador for the Dalkey Festival and I've never been so conscious about children until I had my own son, so the event is incredibly important.' 4 The Dalkey Lobster Festival returns for its 11th year this weekend Credit: Social Media Collect
The 42
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
'I didn't sit in the dressing room thinking I was the reason Dublin didn't beat Armagh'
IT'S THE DAY after the 2002 All-Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Armagh, and the RTÉ Six O'Clock news has just come on the TV in a pub. Sitting at the bar are some of the Dublin players who are processing the effects of a one-point defeat in Croke Park. It's been seven years since their county last tasted All-Ireland success, but this group will not be the ones to end the wait. A first Leinster title since 1995 will have to do instead. John McNally is among the crew, along with Dublin full-forward Ray Cosgrove who has been the star of the summer. He's clocking out of the championship with a scintillating 6-23. He'll be collecting an All-Star award for that as well as joint top-scorer gong along with Armagh's Oisín McConville. But today is a day for escaping. They want to avoid the city centre and so they've found a spot in Ballymore Eustace to drink their pints in quiet anonymity. Just when they think they're in the clear, the final moments of their loss to Armagh appear on the TV screen. A last-minute free from Cosgrove that came back off the post. 'Jaysus,' quips the barmen serving the wounded Dublin lot. 'I wouldn't fancy being that poor fella today.' **** It always comes up on weeks like this. THAT free. THAT miss. Dublin v Armagh in Croke Park? Of course Ray Cosgrove's phone is going to ping with the usual deluge of messages. He's in a WhatsApp group with Oisín McConville, and the back and forth is always good natured. McConville technically finished the 2002 championship with two more points than Cosgrove but they both won the top-scorer award as McConville played one more match. Cosgrove never lets him forget that. Ray Cosgrove wheels away in celebration after a goal in the 2002 Leinster final. INPHO INPHO For those who can recall, 2002 was the summer of Saipan. It was the summer when Roy Keane either left or was sent home from the Republic of Ireland's World Cup squad, depending on where your allegiances lie. That controversy held the country in a headlock. But Cosgrove's quality soared above it. In the space of a few months, he was no longer Ray Cosgrove. He was Cossie – the darling of Hill 16. 'The season just took off and I didn't realise the amount of hype that had been created,' he says, looking back. 'Things are just happening. I wasn't quite aware of the magnitude of what was going on, to be perfectly honest.' By 2002, Cosgrove was heading into his sixth year on the Dublin circuit. He was first introduced to the senior squad by Mickey Whelan in 1996 and he felt a breakthrough to the team was close. He was playing for the A team in their training games coming into the Leinster final against Meath. But when the selections were announced, he didn't get the nod. He didn't even make the matchday panel. 'I was going well,' Cosgrove continues. 'I was only 19 years old so maybe a little bit light and inexperienced. This was a Dublin team that had just won the All-Ireland. I left that Saturday before the final thinking I could be getting a shout. 'For whatever reason, Mickey obviously made the decision with the management team. Maybe they felt that's a big, strong, Meath team and this fella's not cut out for it at the moment. He just didn't back me, I suppose.' Advertisement By 1999, the door into the Dublin team was still locked for Cosgrove. Again, they reached the Leinster final, and again, Meath were their opponents. The Dublin-Meath rivalry was in full roar in those years. Not too unlike the Celtic Tiger that defined Irish consumerism at the time. Cosgrove did make an appearance on that occasion off the bench, but he was taken off again later in the game as Dublin lost by five points. Tommy Carr was in charge at that point, and after that game, they had a conversation about Cosgrove's future. They agreed that he should concentrate on playing club football. 'I suppose I had a bit of prove,' Cosgrove adds. 'I was still playing good football with the club in 2001.' Former Dublin manager Tommy Lyons. INPHO INPHO 2002 ushered in a new chapter for Dublin and for Cosgrove. The difference? Cosgrove's Kilmacud clubmate Tommy Lyons became the new Dublin boss. He decided that Cosgrove was his man, and offered assurances that he would stick with his man come hell or high water. It's hard to imagine a concept where a manager — who has a large panel at their disposal — could make such a promise. But Cosgrove's form made it easy to stick with him. 'He took a chance on me. He showed faith in me. And from day one, he said, 'Cossie, regardless of how you're going, I am going to play you. I'm going to persist with you.' He showed complete faith in me. That was the faith I needed. 'Tommy would have called me Monday morning after games day saying, 'You've done this, you've done that…' He was giving me feedback and he was honest.' **** Before we go forward, let's go back. Gaelic football wasn't Cosgrove's first sport. He had links through his Mayo-born parents and his Galway cousin, Gay McManus, who played against Cosgrove's native Dublin in the 1983 All-Ireland final. But the first ball Cosgrove kicked was for Leicester Celtic in Rathfarnham. He was a nifty centre midfielder too. He was on a DDSL team that won a Kennedy Cup, which is prestigious competition at U14 level. He also enjoyed some success with Cherry Orchard. There was talk of trials too but the intrusion of injury stopped him from pursuing any opportunities in England. 'I missed a couple of trials. I got injured at U15 when I was out with the the Irish team. I was on trials at the AUL. I tore a calf most of the trials there. And that set me back a good few months. I was due to go on trial with Derby. And I missed the boat to go across.' His first foray into Gaelic football was somewhat accidental. While attending St Benildus College, he offered to tog out for a team struggling with numbers. A teacher at the school was involved with Kilmacud Crokes and Cosgrove could feel himself inclining more towards the O'Neill's ball. Cosgrove celebrating after winning the 2009 All-Ireland final with Kilmacud Crokes. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO 'We ended up winning the Dublin U14 A title,' he says. 'I joined Kilmacud and we ended up winning the U15 championship. That year we beat a Ballyboden team in the semi-final. I think they'd been unbeaten all the way up through when they were under-aged. And we were the first team to beat that Ballyboden team. Jim Stynes' younger brother David would have been on that team. 'I remember I was double-jobbing with the soccer. I had my foot in both camps. It just festered from there.' By the time he was at the U18 grade, Cosgrove dropped the dual-player tag and decided to specialise in Gaelic football. **** When he thinks back to 2002, Cosgrove points to a draw against Galway in the National League as the 'catalyst.' It was their last game of the Division 1 campaign. Cosgrove scored 1-4 and could sense a fruitful summer was looming. Dublin started their Leinster championship with a two-point win over Wexford and a 2-11 to 0-10 semi-final victory over the Royals illustrated their intent. It was a first championship win over Meath in seven years, and Cosgrove scored 2-3 to help make it happen. 'That was the first sign of, I'd arrived on the scene. Darren-Faye was one of the best full-backs that the game had ever seen. When you walk off the pitch and say, 'Jaysus, 2-3 off Darren-Faye', that isn't so bad.' Related Reads Rochford climbs on top of the Mayo volcano as they face yet another last stand Mayo GAA address financial situation at special delegates meeting 'We didn't play for whatever reason' - Jim McGuinness on first Ballybofey defeat Dublin went on to become Leinster champions for the first time since 1995 and eventually dispatched Donegal in the All-Ireland quarter-final after a replay. Cosgrove's legend continued to grow and a belief that Dublin could push on for the next prize was visible in the city. 'There was a big 40-foot poster on Connolly Street against the Bank of Ireland.' he says. 'The flags, the bunting around the place.' And then came Armagh in the semi-final. A tough outfit packed with Crossmaglen All-Ireland winners and Ulster champions. Kieran McGeeney was their captain at centre-back, and Cosgrove was familiar with him from the Dublin club scene. 'Geezer was playing with Na Fianna so I would have obviously locked horns with Geezer. We would have known a good bit about the Armagh boys from the few that were playing in Dublin. 'They were battle-hardened. They were more experienced. But certainly, it was a game that we went into thinking that, yeah, we could get something out of it. There was no fear on our behalf.' **** Cosgrove reflects on it as his best game for Dublin. You might only remember the free but he remembers the six points he scored. It was as close to perfect as he could get. He was the one that actually won the free too, drawing a trip from Enda McNulty. Cosgrove felt it was 'soft enough' though. He just kicked it with too much caution. If he had his time back, he'd put his boot through it. Instead of trying to curl it over from the instep, he'd hit the strike with more conviction. Actually, he would have taken the free off the ground. That was his preferred style of free-taking. But a knee injury forced him to start taking them from his hands. 'I knew I'd done as much as I could. It was probably the best game I ever played in a blue jersey. I didn't blame myself for missing the free. We would have only drawn the game. It's not like as if we would have won the game if I scored. 'I didn't take the burden of blame on my shoulders. It wasn't just that kick that led to us being beaten. There were lots of other missed opportunities. I didn't sit in the dressing room thinking I was the reason Dublin didn't beat Armagh.' The Dublin and Armagh teams before the 2002 All-Ireland semi-final. INPHO INPHO Cosgrove does have games that haunt him. The 1998 Leinster final against Éire Óg of Carlow needed three games to determine a winner. In the second game, Cosgrove kicked a free which was dispossessed and led to a late equaliser. Dublin's 2006 All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Mayo hangs over him too. More so than the 2002 heartache. He knows that others feel differently, and he had some slagging to deal with. 'That was part and parcel of it. You do get reminded of it quite regularly. It would get annoying but I had a very quick response. I finished top-scorer in the championship and I'd say, 'Here listen, when you finish top-scorer in the championship, get back to me and I'll talk to ya.' That usually quietened a few of them.' Cosgrove continued serving Dublin until 2008, deciding that he was 'only making up the numbers' at that stage and left after the National League. This was just three years before Dublin's All-Ireland breakthrough and he can feel satisfied that he helped lay the brickwork for future players to thrive in a Blue jersey. He did reach the summit with Kilmacud Crokes in 2009 as they conquered the club kingpins Crossmaglen to become All-Ireland champions. Something of a full circle moment for Cosgrove. He's always felt gratitude towards Tommy Lyons for taking that chance and giving him that summer to remember. You can say what you want about the free in 2002. But if you want to come at him, you best have scored 6-23. He's ready for you if not. And as Dublin and Armagh prepare to meet once again tomorrow afternoon in Croke Park, he might have to hear about it once or twice more before then. As for the bar man who spoke after his free appeared on the television, Cosgrove had something for him too. 'Well, here I am!'
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘My mom had dementia' – Broadcaster Martin King among ambassadors for Alzheimer's Memory Walk
The Six O'Clock show co-host said he has been a supporter of the charity since his mother's diagnosis of Dementia. His mother Christina died in 2019 after being diagnosed with the condition in 2011. 'The older we get and in that demographic, there will be more cases of Alzheimer's and dementia being diagnosed. The Alzheimer's Society needs as much funding as it can get,' he said. ' My mom had dementia, so that's why we are big fans and big supporters of the Memory Walk for the Alzheimer's Society.' Mr King sees the Memory Walk as a way of bringing those who have been touched by Alzheimer's closer together. ' The memory walk is an opportunity to remember someone close to you who may be dealing with a diagnosis of Alzheimers. There's memory walks going on all over the country. If you can get involved, please do. Even if you don't have personal experience of Alzheimer's with a loved one, please get involved.' The launch saw ambassadors from around the country together for a Mini Memory Walk around the Aviva Stadium. Last year over 4,000 people took part in the Memory Walk, the biggest one to date. Memory Walk is a nationwide event that will take place in over 35 locations on Sunday, September 21 , 2025, coinciding with World Alzheimer's Day this year. Figures show that there are 30 cases of dementia discovered in Ireland every day, and 64,000 people across Ireland are affected by Alzheimer's and dementia nationally. Among those in attendance at the launch was Dublin's Lord Mayor Emma Blain, who has been personally affected by dementia. Her father, Sydney, has been living with dementia for years but his condition has worsened in recent times. ' Some days are more difficult than others', she told the Irish Independent. 'I would say that the decline has been pretty swift in the last year in particular.' Her mother is the primary carer for her father and says dementia awareness is a top priority in her role as Lord Mayor. 'When I became Lord Mayor, I wanted to raise awareness not only the struggle of people living with dementia, but their carers as well, and how it affects families'. Cllr Blain believes we must remove the stigma surrounding dementia, and recently launched her 'Memories Made in Dublin' exhibition last Sunday in Dublin's City Hall to raise awareness about the condition. 'I invited people from all across Dublin and around the world to share their memories with me about what they love about living in Dublin, their special stories of friendships, of weddings, of a stroll in the park," she said. 'People can go in and relive not only their journey but everybody elses," she added. 'It's really important that when you're in that position that you are able to talk to other people who are going through it.' Other ambassadors supporting today's launch included former Fine Gael Minister Nora Owen, broadcaster Teena Gates, fitness guru Dee Murphy, entrepeneur Ellen Kavanagh Jones and beauty expert Pamela Laird. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is urging people throughout Ireland to show their support for Memory Walk and register online now at to make and share memories on Sunday, September 21 at a location near you.
