Mayo cook shortlisted for final of RTÉ Today’s TV Home Cook competition

MAYO’S Dee Freney and Margaret Leahy from Galway have reached the final of RTÉ Today’s TV Home Cook competition.

Both will cook again live on the Today show on Monday, May 25, for the grand final of the competition. One will win the title for Today’s TV Home Cook 2026 on Tuesday next following a public vote.

The finalists were announced live on the Today Show yesterday and they have a week to prepare their final dish to tempt the public to vote them the winner.

Mayo-based Dee Freney (42) is a passionate home cook who specialises in comforting, traditional dishes with a creative gluten-free twist, ensuring no one at the table feels left out.

Dee’s cooking journey began eight years ago when she embraced gluten-free cooking, turning what could have been a limitation into a true passion. Her confidence in the kitchen grew even further after winning Odlums Home Baker of the Year, inspiring her to take on the challenge of TV Home Cook.

Margaret Leahy (65), from Connemara, is a passionate home cook who champions farm-to-table cooking, using seasonal produce from her own garden alongside fresh Irish fish and meat to create simple dishes that let quality ingredients shine. Margaret’s cooking is deeply rooted in Irish food culture and a love of local produce.

She applied for TV Home Cook to showcase the richness of Irish food and prove that great cooking doesn’t require formal training.

Margaret and Dee will cook for a live TV audience and Today show presenters Dáithí Ó Sé and Sinead Kennedy on Monday. Voting will open that afternoon, and the winner will be announced on Tuesday’s show with mentor and chef Trisha Lewis.

Watch the final on the Today show on Monday from 3.30 p.m. on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.