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Former newsreader and top culinary personality set to launch fundraising cookbook for Laois primary school

Darina Allen and Eileen Dunne

A former RTE newsreader and a culinary queen will come together to launch a cookbook for a Laois primary school in early March.

Honorary Laois lady, Eileen Dunne, and Cullahill native, Darina Allen, will be in the Killeshin Hotel on Thursday week, March 2 at 7.30pm.

Eileen and Darina, two of Ireland’s esteemed Family Favourite ladies, will officially launch the Emo National School fundraising cookbook.

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

Additionally, a variety of recipes were generously donated by chefs from local restaurants along with some surprise Celebrity Chefs. Darina 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 you to the event.

An exciting addition to the evening line-up will be David Grothier, co-owner of artisan bakery Mueller & O’Connell in Abbeyleix, performing a cookery demonstration. Furthermore, there will be local food producers offering tastings, including Temptation Patisserie, Iris & Milk and O’Mimo’s.

All those who attend on the night will have the chance to win a luxurious stay for two in the 5-star Ballyfin Demesne.

A spokesperson for the Parents’ Association said: “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.”

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

The cookbook will be available for purchase at €15 each 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.

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.

Admission to the launch evening on March 2 is free, your support will be wholeheartedly appreciated.

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