We were delighted to welcome renowned celebratory chef, food writer, and television presenter, Donal Skehan, to St. Mary’s to launch our new Home Economics Kitchen. Donal was met by Dr. Edel Greene, Principal, Mr. John Moore, Deputy Principal and Home Economics Teacher, Ms. Rachel Flynn. To celebrate the occasion, we held a Creative Tasty Cupcake Bake-Off Challenge. Donal met the contestants and discussed ingredients, presentation and cooking tips with each of them. While the cooking got underway, Donal then viewed the many new improvements throughout the school. A visit to the principal’s office was arranged so that Donal himself could test our new intercom system! Once tested, it was off to the new Kitchen where Donal was met by all the Home Economics students and Senior Prefects. Following fanfare and drumroll, Donal cut the ribbon to launch the new kitchen. Recently retired home economics teacher Mrs. Bernie Donnelly, who had spent her entire teaching career in St. Mary’s, attended with current Home Economics Teacher, Ms. Rachel Flynn. Donal then dropped in on the Bake-Off Contestants to examine progress and was clearly excited by what he saw and was looking forward to savouring the delights later.
Following tea and coffee with the staff, Donal then returned to Judge the Bake-Off Competition. There was very strong competition between the candidates and following some serious examination and tasting of the cupcakes with an emphasis on creativity, culinary skills, presentation, and taste, Lauren Bannon was declared the eventual winner. Well done Lauren.
Donal signed school books and a presentation was made to him. Looks like we have an annual Bake-Off Challenge agreed and we were delighted the next day when Donal had arranged for a fantastic supply of Cook Books, many signed by his friends, were dropped down to St. Mary’s for the Home Economics Library.