Deserving charities the real winners from celebrity chef cook-off in Clonmel

Above: Clonmel Rotary Club president, Paul Davey, and Terry Stafford, Panda Carpets, sponsors of the celebrity chef cook-off, present a cheque for €1,500 to Ina Doyle and Johnny O’Callaghan, representing Clonmel Soup Kitchen

Two Clonmel charities have benefited from a festive celebrity chef cook-off held before Christmas.

The event was organised by Clonmel Rotary Club and held in Raheen House Hotel.

Clonmel businessman Dermot Dougan edged out Tipperary Rose of Tralee, Aisling O’Donovan, in the cook-off before an attendance of over eighty revellers.

But the real winners on the night were two Clonmel charities – Clonmel Soup Kitchen and Clonmel Meals on Wheels, each receiving €1,500 from the proceeds of the event.

They were presented with their cheques by Rotary president Paul Davey at a ceremony in Cluain restaurant.

Both groups expressed their appreciation to the club, to the event sponsors and all those who attended, and added that the money would make a huge contribution to the work they carry out in the town.

Above: Janet Van Dam accepts a cheque for €1,500 on behalf of Clonmel Meals on Wheels from Clonmel Rotary Club president, Paul Davey, and Terry Stafford, Clonmel Rotary and Panda Carpets, the proceeds from the Rotary celebrity chef cook-off

Mr Davey said the club was delighted to help two such worthy causes, especially in the run-up to Christmas when he knew the money would make a big difference to the charities.

Among the sponsors for the successful celebrity chef event were Clonmel Credit Union, Panda Carpets, Camida, James Whelan Butchers, Raheen House Hotel and Sureprint.

St Mary’s church choir also contributed hugely to the success of the event with a special donation from Rotary member Lesley Connolly.