Written 3 weeks ago by Angel Croitor

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One man, Paddy O’Connell, and his oats will hope to take home the Golden Spurtle at the World Porridge Making Championships.

Will Faulkner and Sinead Hubble from Midlands Today were treated to a bowl of porridge in studio from Paddy O’Cereals. Paddy will be the first Irish person to ever compete for the gleaming golden stirring wand that is used to stir porridge with.

“People in Scotland will pass on their spurtles over generations – so this is a coveted title I really want to bring home to Ireland.”

We can hear you snickering as you read this – and we don’t blame you.

Paddy’s company started selling granola 8 to 9 years ago with Laois’ finest oats. He was told before that he made a fairly decent bowl of porridge and after entering the competition last February he decided “lets go for it”.

The judges are looking to score 30 points for your bowl of porridge. Now pay attention as this may get a little complicated – 5 points for colour, 5 points for texture, and 20 points for taste. How will Paddy ensure that his bowl is the best bowl amongst all the bowls put forward?

“I’m thinking with the beautiful Laois and Offaly oats we’ll have the colour down – I’m bringing over spring water from Cullagh Hill and I think with a little bit of tender care – on the forty fourth minute it’ll be done.”

Paddy tells us that this is like “the 100 metre sprint” in the Olympics – if you take away the Olympics. Jokes aside – this is the most illustrious porridge competition around the world and we are more than happy to root for Paddy this Saturday as he stirs for gold.

Here’s a free tip from the man himself – add a bit of salt to your bowl to enhance the oat flavour and make it a savoury breakfast of champions.

He has been relentless in his training as he practiced making his bowl of oats every morning since he first entered the competition in February.

Paddy O’Connell – god speed to you and your oats and bring us back the Golden Spurtle!

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