Health and wellbeing the focus of Kanturk event

THE National Dairy Council and North Cork Creameries hosted a special evening focusing on health and wellbeing on Thursday last, December 7, in Kanturk.

The evening took place in the Edel Quinn Hall with MC Colm O’Sullivan from Red FM. A great night was had by all, with refreshments, a raffle and a free gift bag for all who attended.

Speakers for the event included renowned dietitian Paula Mee, who has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows and has a clinic in Blackrock, Dublin, and former Munster and Ireland rugby international Alan Quinlan, spoke about his own experiences with mental health. Also at the event, Ireland’s most versatile chef, Brian McDermott, cooked up a storm with some delicious festive recipes.

Paula Mee has a dietetic clinic in Blackrock and her own nutrition consultancy and provides an extensive range of services in nutrition, corporate wellness, marketing communications, recipe and menu analysis and product development.

Alan Quinlan was a prominent rugby player, earning a total of 27 caps for Ireland and scoring 30 points. He was selected to play in two world cups, in 2003 and 2007, and was then picked for the Lions Tour in 2009, but missed out through suspension. In 2010, Alan released his autobiography, ‘Quinlan: Red Blooded’, detailing his career and personal life in and outside the game.

Brian McDermott is an award-winning chef who has built a national reputation as a chef on one simple belief – that tasty, healthy food based around traditional recipes and local produce is something every family can make and enjoy. He showcased a delicious festive feast with a dairy twist.

All proceeds from the raffle and ticket sales went to a number of fantastic local charities: Kanturk Community Hospital; Cope Foundation Kanturk; St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville; and The Rickie Healy Appeal.

Ruth O’Sullivan, Orlaith Tomkins, Hannah Fleming and Neily O’Flynn of Duhallow Community Food Services pictured with Paula Mee who was one of the guest speakers at the North Cork Creameries Health & Wellbeing Evening.

Marianne Walsh (NDC Nutrition Manager) with guest speakers Alan Quinlan, chef Brian McDermott, dietician Paula Mee and Colm O’ Sullivan of Red Fm who was MC at the health & wellbeing evening.

Joan Collins and Mary O’Connor were delighted to meet guest speaker Alan Quinlan.

Mary Healy and Breda O’Mahony, Ballyclough pictured with Paula Mee who was one of the guest speakers.

Mary O’Connor, Kanturk and Caroline O’Connell, Castlecor, chatting to Paula Mee.