Dunmore woman cooking for the festive season on RTÉ

A DUNMORE woman has been selected among the eight finalists from around Ireland for RTÉ Today’s 'Christmas Home Cook' competition.

Ailish O’Dowd (48) from Kiltevna is a marketing consultant who has a passion for vegetarian food.

She has qualified from hundreds of participants to make it to the final eight who will be compete in the festive amateur cook competition on the RTÉ Today show.

Mentored by chef Trisha Lewis, the eight finalists were revealed live on the show this week by presenters Dáithí Ó Sé, Maura Derrane and Sinead Kennedy.

The fate of the eight finalists is in the hands of public who can vote for their favourite contestant to get them into the semi-final phase.

The final four in the competition will get the chance to cook live on the RTÉ Today show kitchen. The grand finale will take place live on the show on Monday, December 7.

The winner of the 'Christmas Home Cook' competition will get a two-day course in the Dunbrody Country House cookery school with two nights B&B for two people with one dinner, at Dunbrody Country House Hotel.

Public voting is now open with the final closing date on Monday, November 16.

To vote for Ailish O'Dowd, visit: www.RTÉ.ie.