A former lecturer at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has launched a new cookbook brimming with treasured family recipes, home-baked classics and practical kitchen wisdom, with all proceeds going to Down Syndrome Limerick.
Marie’s Kitchen: 101 Tried, Trusted & Treasured Family Recipes was officially launched at TUS in Limerick by TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane.
Marie O’Callaghan, from Tarbert, Co Kerry, retired from TUS in 2023 after a 29-year career as a Lecturer in Food Microbiology. 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.
“This cookbook is a true labour of love,” said Marie. “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.”
Launching the book, TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane said Marie’s professional career and passion for cooking shared many of the same qualities.
“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.
“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.”
Proceeds from the cookbook will support Down Syndrome Limerick, a family-led charity providing early intervention, speech and language therapy, education, social activities, advocacy and adult life-skills programmes across the region.
Michelle Coughlan, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick, 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.”
The book is a collaborative community effort, with those involved generously giving their time and expertise free of charge to help maximise the funds raised for Down Syndrome Limerick.
Photography was provided by Limerick-based Darren Ryan of Pigtown Media, while graphic design was created by Dublin-based designer Rosa Devine. Support towards the publishing and funding for production costs was also provided by Kinlay Hostel Galway.
Priced at €29.99, every copy sold will benefit Down Syndrome Limerick.
Available: Directly through Down Syndrome Limerick, selected local stockists and online at Down Syndrome Limerick – Marie’s Kitchen