Eugene McSweeney is renowned as Super Chef, not only in culinary circles in this country but on the international scene as well. He has the distinction of contesting the prestigious International Chef of the Year Finals in London’s Hotel Olympia, in Kensington on three occasions. After leaving the C.B.S. He spent three years at Rockwell Catering College where he completed the CERT course. He was to spend the following two and a half years working in the ‘Bonne Auberge’ in Munich. Next he went on to work in Norcote in Switzerland, followed by a stay at Heathrow Airport Hotel.

In 1971 Eugene returned to Ireland, spending a short time at Aisling Hotel at Parkgate Street before being offered being offered a head chef’s position at the Killiney Heights Hotel.

From there he went on to "The Bailey" on Duke Street, and then to the Berkeley Court Hotel where he was appointed executive chef in 1978. While working at the Berkeley Court he catered for Royalty and Heads of State all over the world and all the top people at home, including the then President of Ireland Patrick J. Hillary. He was invited to tend the needs of Pope John Paul II on his trip to Ireland in 1979. It was one of his greatest disappointments that he was denied that honor.

Eugene and his wife now own the Lacken House Restaurant near Kilkenny City. In 1990 their restaurant won a prestigious award for a third year running. It won its section in the Bord Fáilte-Ballygowan Awards of Excellence.