Cookbook with a cause launched in aid of Limerick charity

MARIE’S Kitchen, a cookbook “brimming with treasured family recipes, home-baked classics, and practical kitchen wisdom” has officially been launched in aid of a vital local charity.

The hardback cookbook was launched at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick by President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, with proceeds from the book going directly to Down Syndrome Limerick (DSL) to support its “life-changing” work.

Professor Cunnane said: “Marie’s career in microbiology and her love of cooking may seem like two vastly different worlds, but both demand curiosity, precision, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.

“I have seen those qualities in Marie throughout her professional life, and it is wonderful to see them brought together so beautifully in this book.”

He added: “Marie’s Kitchen is a very personal achievement, combining her scientific mind with her creativity, generosity and love of food and family. It is a wonderful reflection of Marie herself.”

Author Marie O’Callaghan said the book is “a true labour of love,” adding: “These are recipes that have been enjoyed around our family table for years, and I’m delighted that by sharing them, they can now help support the incredible work of Down Syndrome Limerick.”

Down Syndrome Limerick is a family-led charity providing essential early intervention, speech and language therapy, education, social activities, advocacy, and adult life skills programmes across the region.

Michelle Coughlan, chairperson of DSL, said: “Marie’s talent and creativity shine through in this book, not only in the recipes but in the deeply personal memories and experiences she shares so generously.

“What she has created is a genuine and lasting collection that will be treasured and shared for generations. We are incredibly grateful to her for including Down Syndrome Limerick in this beautiful journey.”

“The generosity behind the book and the proceeds it raises will make a real and lasting difference to the families and individuals we support,” she added.

After 29 years as a lecturer in Food Microbiology at Limerick Institute of Technology (now TUS), author Marie O’Callaghan retired in 2023.

Rather than slowing down, she set out to fulfil a “long-held dream” of documenting her recipes. What began as a simple family project at the kitchen table soon grew into a full-scale cookbook featuring 101 of Marie’s favourite dishes, alongside contributions from her children and family friends.

Inspired by the traditional cooking Marie learned from her mother, Lil, Marie’s Kitchen covers “everything from comforting soups and family dinners to home baking, desserts, seasonal preserves, and Christmas fare”.

The book is a true collaborative community effort, with everyone involved “generously giving their time and expertise to help maximise the funds raised for DSL”.

Kinlay Hostel, Galway is the principal sponsor of Marie’s Kitchen, providing “vital support” towards the publishing and production of the book.

Photography was provided by Limerick-based Darren Ryan, Pigtown Media, while graphic design was created by Dublin-based designer Rosa Devine, with both “generously contributing their services to the project”.

Priced at €29.99, every copy sold will benefit the charity.

The book is available to purchase directly through Down Syndrome Limerick, at selected local stockists, and online at Down Syndrome Limerick – Marie’s Kitchen.