TWO Donegal butchers are celebrating after being officially named the producers of the best sausages in Europe by an internationally respected gastronomic group.
The French food organization, Commanderie des Fins Gousters du Duché d'Alencon, trawled the continent in search of the best meat products, and found that a humble butcher's shop, McGettigan's in Donegal Town, produced Europe's best banger.
It is hoped the award, which will see brothers Eman and Diarmuid "knighted" in a special ceremony, will boost the growing image of Ireland's cuisine, once confined to the stereotype of potato dishes.
The food-loving French had already displayed interest in Irish artisan grub, with the best-selling guidebook "Le Guide du Routard," describing it as currently some of the best in the world.
The hickory and maple pork sausage made by the McGettigan brothers took the title of Best in Europe, while the brothers were also praised for their innovative sausage combinations including banana and mango flavor.
The butcher brothers will join other Irish producers in receiving "knighthoods" from the Normandy-based gastronomes, including members of the Association of Craft Butchers in Ireland, who are dedicated to promoting Ireland's artisan small-scale meat producers.
"This means that we are home of the best sausage in Europe and that is a tremendous honor for us. We've won national awards before in Ireland, but this is the big one and it's the first time it's been won by anyone from Ireland," Eman McGettigan said.
