More than 100 butchers from all parts of the country were in Dublin yesterday seeking the title of Ireland's supreme sausage-maker.
While there were competitions for black pudding, white pudding, spiced beef and even drisheen, the traditional Cork dish, the sausage prize was the most sought-after.
Half of the exhibition hall at City West Hotel, where the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland staged the Third Annual Butchershow, was taken over with a display of our best bangers.
All eyes were on the master of all sausage-makers and judge of the competition, George McCartney, the man who dreamed up the "Banana sausage", which stunned the sausage-making world and won him pocketfuls of gold medals. As he made his way among the tables laden with sausages, he explained that about 15 years ago he had been frying bananas for the Sunday breakfast when his daughter suggested he make a banana sausage.
The rest is history and the new product enhanced the already secure reputation of the family firm whose secret recipes earned them top prizes and trade all over these islands.
"The banana sausage was even mentioned by Coronation Street's Fred Elliott," he said. He said he was looking for a sausage with good texture and a pleasant taste which was not too strong. He was also looking for some fat, an even size and a good gloss.
George and the other judges finally chose a Cavan-made sausage as the Sausage of the Year. It was exhibited by Barry Crowe, a young butcher who has his business in Cavan town.