Gary Chinberg seemingly can’t be beaten when it comes to Irish cooking. Each year he rises above the competition.

Chinberg, the winner of the 2009 Troy University Irish Cooking Contest was named the overall winner 2010 competition Monday. He also took first prize in the main entrees and the side dishes categories and third place in the dessert category.

Deb Gearhart won the Irish green ribbon in breads and Lindsay Pierce was the first-place winner in the dessert category. Donna Hogan took top honors in the salad/appetizer category and also placed second in breads. Sams Elebash placed third in the dessert category.

“This was again a wonderful event,” said Bronda Barron, event coordinator. “This is the fourth year that I’ve been involved with the Irish Cooking Contest and every year I’m amazed at the creativity of the participants. The food is always delicious and innovative. The Irish Cooking Contest is always a lot of fun. I want to thank all of those who participated and John Parker and Diane Barker for agreeing to judge the contest. I know it was not easy because all of the dishes were fantastic.”

See Thursday’s copy of The Messenger for a full story.