Cullohill Community Council would like to extend their most sincere thanks to everyone who attended and helped in the organisation, of what was a fantastic cookery demonstration hosted by the superbly talented Rory O’Connell in the Cullohill Community Centre recently. The event was attended by 250 people and the feedback was exceptional. Cullohill Community Council are delighted with the success of the event and also the manner in which it showcased the Community Centre facilities as a fantastic event venue. There is a long list of thanks all of which are most necessary.

Firstly our most sincere thanks to the management and staff of Laois County Council, in particular Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services and Ann-Marie Kelly, Environmental Awareness Officer, who entrusted the Community Council with the organisation and running of the event and assisted in so many ways. The event would not have been possible without the funding of the LAPN (Local Authority Prevention Network) and the EPA for which we are very grateful. The Committee were delighted to welcome Laois County Council’s Chief Executive John Mulholland and the Cathaoirleach Tom Mulhall to the event and very much appreciate their attendance and kind words.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters who provided raffle prizes, equipment etc… Clayton Hotels, Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, Barringtons Hospital, Joe Dooley Electrical, Rosemount Catering (Shealagh Maher), Laois Hire, St. Fergals, Rathdowney, Dalton’s of Cullohill and The Sportman. Thank you also to the Garda Siochana for their assistance with traffic calming through the village to ensure pedestrian safety. Special thanks to our traffic / parking stewards John Dollard, Joe Dollard, Sean Cahill, Seamus Brophy and Willie Dunphy. Thank you also to Mary Walsh for her much admired floral display.

Thanks to our first aiders Pat Barnaville and Seamus Clancy, our photographer Annie Holland and to Gearoid Ryan from Durrow Fire Service who greatly assisted with the ensuring the floor plan for the event was in compliance with fire regulations. Thank you also to Tommy Ferns for his expertise and co-operation. Special thanks goes the Community Centre Committee who worked so hard to ensure the centre looked its best for the event, and for all their support. Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the Community Council raffle on the night. The proceeds from which will be used to fund the compilation of a ‘Community Development Plan’ for the next 5 years.

Finally, a huge thank you to Rory O’Connell and his very talented sous chef Tracie Daly. The Community Council were thrilled when Rory agreed to come back to Cullohill and do the demonstration. Rory is undoubtedly the ‘chef of the moment’ and we were honoured to have him back home for the night, just as he was delighted to be home.