Ballymaloe chef and RTÉ legend set for Laois charity cookbook launch

Two famous and successful Irish women with strong Laois roots are back in the county soon to support a charity booklaunch.

Retired RTÉ newsreader Eileen Dunne, and chef and author Darina Allen are giving their time to jointly launch a fundraising cookbook at what sounds to be an exciting night, packed with big prizes.

The book is in aid of Emo National School, launched in the Killeshin Hotel with a top raffle prize of a night's stay for two people in the five star luxurious Ballyfin Hotel.

Eileen Dunne who recently retired, is a daughter of the late RTÉ sports journalist Mick Dunne from Clonaslee, and she is a loyal supporter of Laois, while Darina is a native of Cullohill where she grew up on the O'Connell family farm.

The cookbook entitled Family Favourites is a collection of mouth-watering recipes lovingly shared by parents, children, grandparents, staff and friends of Emo NS.

Additional recipes were generously donated by chefs from local restaurants along with some surprise celebrity chefs.

Darina Allen also kindly wrote the foreword to the cookbook.

With 120 recipes, this eclectic mix includes traditional and new family favourites, served from breakfast through to delicious desserts, with step-by-step instructions and cooking tips throughout.

There is beautiful photography of dishes and children’s
artwork included. ‘Family Favourites’ is the ultimate source of recipe inspiration.

A drinks reception will welcome everyone to the book launch, on Thursday week, March 2.

There will be a cookery demonstration by David Grothier, co-owner of artisan bakery Mueller & O’Connell which began in the MDA Kitchens in Mountmellick and now has a store in Abbeyleix.

Local food producers will be offering delicious tastings, including Temptation Patisserie, Iris & Milk and O’Mimo’s.

The Parents’ Association are very thankful to all for their support.

"We are humbled and grateful for the backing of many local businesses and organisations; for their very generous sponsorship and to those who offered contributions. Special mention to the Killeshin Hotel management who have been fantastic, so generous and supportive with this event. Much gratitude to Ballyfin Demesne for their support and spectacular raffle prize," the association say.

This beautiful recipe book ‘Family Favourites’ priced at €15 will make a treasured keepsake in every home and it will make a lovely gift for Mother’s Day or indeed Father’s Day.

"Every cent raised from the sales will go directly to the school children at Emo National School and to the school’s new Autism Spectrum Disorder unit. Your support will be wholeheartedly appreciated," the parents' association said.

Laois third level students enjoy Erasmus in sunny Spain

The cookbook will be available for purchase at the launch evening.  It will also be on sale in All Books Portlaoise, Hummingbird Interiors & Café Portarlington, McConville’s Supervalu Mountmellick, Siopa Ioma/ Bernie’s of Emo, Portarlington Post Office, Mueller & O’Connell Abbeyleix and Emo National School. 

The evening will take place on Thursday week, March 2, in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise at 7:30pm. Admission is free.