Mayo School launches charity fundraiser which will feature cookery demonstration

Kitted out in chef’s hats, aprons and wooden spoons, the children of Taugheen National School warmly welcomed and enjoyed a visit last Wednesday from Rachel Fulham, Cancer Fund for Children, Community Fundraising Officer. The informative and inspiring visit was the official launch of the Neven Maguire Cookery Demonstration in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Monday November 17 which the school is helping to organise with all proceeds going to Daisy Lodge.  

The idea grew at a Board of Management meeting late last year. The Board were discussing future plans for the school, pupil development and education. Building on the school’s commendable record of charity work to date, the idea of supporting Daisy Lodge was proposed. Taugheen National School has a proud and rich history of fostering charitable involvement of its pupils. The school’s annual sponsored Skipathon in aid of Trocaire’s Lenten campaign has been running for 36 years with great success and the children together with their families also embrace the annual Shoe box appeal to help children affected by poverty. 

The staff and Board of Management passionately believe that being involved in charity is hugely beneficial to the development of a child. Teaching charity helps children understand the benefits of giving, and how they can be involved in their community. It helps to develop selflessness, gratitude, empathy, a sense of purpose, pride and social responsibility. These are valuable qualities that children will bring with them into their futures. 

Taugheen National School is a small rural school on the outskirts of Claremorris with a breakfast club from 8am and an afterschool facility(2pm - 6pm). It is in a lovely village setting beside the local community centre, childcare service and church. The board and staff want to emphasise to the children that small communities have the potential to make a positive and lasting difference in wider society.

The staff hope to encourage students to have the desire to become active members of communities in the future, and in doing so become valuable citizens who contribute to society.

As a Children's charity, the school felt that Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children, is indeed a very worthy cause. Daisy Lodge is currently constructing a new unit in Cong, Co. Mayo, to serve children from the whole island of Ireland and their families in times of need.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, October 10, for €20 and are available for purchase from Taugheen National School and the following locations.

Claremorris - Sam’s Stores, Hunts Filling Station.

Ballinrobe - Murphy’s newsagents, Jennings Butchers.

Ballyhaunis - The Shop.

Hollymount - Hollymount Stores.

Cong - O’Connors Spar.

Knock- The Old Ground Restaurant. 

Tuam - Quinn’s newsagents.

Doors open at 7pm for a craft fair, followed by Neven Maguire on stage at 8pm. It promises to be an enjoyable and entertaining night for all.

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